florida gulf coast university · 2020. 8. 4. · dnp program guidebook 2020-2021 dnp np ay...

Florida Gulf Coast University

Marieb College of Health & Human Services

School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Practitioner (NP)

PROGRAM GUIDEBOOK

2020-2021

DNP PROGRAM GUIDEBOOK 2020-2021

DNP NP AY 2020-2021 July 9, 2020 –ADA Compliant

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FOREWORD

Program Director’s Welcome to Students

Welcome to the School of Nursing at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). We are pleased that your

choice for graduate education is at FGCU School of Nursing. Faculty has designed rigorous curricula at

the graduate level with innovative classroom, clinical and community experiences to prepare students to

promote the health of our population in the 21st century. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse

Practitioner (DNP NP) Program builds on the excellent reputation of our MSN graduates who are

making a difference in their communities. To date, we have had a 100% first-time board certification

pass rate.

The School of Nursing DNP NP Program Guidebook 2020-2021 is designed to facilitate your

orientation to the School of Nursing and DNP NP Program and to assist you in your progress toward

achieving a DNP degree. Please take time to review the Guidebook and become familiar with the

academic standards, policies and procedures that will guide your educational experience. We encourage

each of you to participate fully in our commitment to graduate nursing education and the profession of

nursing.

This guidebook should be used as a supplement to the current FGCU University Academic Catalog,

FGCU Graduate Student Handbook, FGCU General Graduate Academic Policies, and Student Code of

Conduct and other University, Marieb College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, and

Nurse Practitioner Program Publications. As such, the policies, procedures, regulations, requirements,

standard of conduct and other information are not reprinted herein, but incorporated by reference herein

as if all the foregoing were set forth at length. Additional resources are provided on the DNP portal

accessed via Canvas, the FGCU learning management system.

Please be aware that the University and the School of Nursing reserve the right and authority at any time

to alter any of the statements contained herein, to modify curriculum, policies, guidelines, forms, and

any other information contained in this School of Nursing DNP NP Program Guidebook. The provisions

of this publication are subject to change without notice or obligation during your tenure in the program.

Again, welcome to the DNP NP Program at Florida Gulf Coast University School of Nursing. We look

forward to collaborating with you throughout your journey as a doctoral student in the DNP Nurse

Practitioner Program. Welcome to the Eagles family!

Loureen Downes Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP

Associate Professor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Practitioner Program Director



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Accreditation

Information on FGCU institutional accreditation is available

at http://www.fgcu.edu/Provost/accreditation.html

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program in nursing at Florida Gulf Coast

University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

http://www.fgcu.edu/Provost/accreditation.html

http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/

http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/



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School of Nursing Faculty and Staff

NAME TITLE PHONE BUILDING/

ROOM: NOLAN, Anne Director, School of Nursing

Associate Professor

Elizabeth A. and Jack A. Conner Professor in

Nursing

590-7513 Marieb 307

DOWNES, Loureen Program Director Doctor of Nursing Practice

Associate Professor

590-7449 Marieb 309

WARN, Gretchen Administrative Specialist, Graduate Programs 590-7505 Marieb 303C

Casey, Imke Assistant Professor

DAVIS-HUFFMAN, Paula Assistant Professor 590-7514 Marieb 339

DZIOBA, Christina Assistant Professor 745-4586 Marieb 306

ELLIS, Tina A. Instructor I 590-7507 Marieb 306

GOEBEL, Kelly Program Director, BSN

Assistant Professor

590-7431 Marieb 442

HAHN, Valerie Instructor I 590-7523 Marieb 420

HARNER, Anne Assistant Professor 590-1358 Marieb 337

HOBART, Kim Administrative Assistant SON 590-7454 Marieb 303A

HOOKER, Lynn Administrative Specialist BSN 590-7485

Marieb 303B

INGRAM, Katherine Instructor I 745-4465 Marieb 445

LONDAHL-RAMSEY,

Virginia

Assistant Professor 745-4473 Marieb 325

LYNN, Melissa Instructor II 590-7520 Marieb 443

MAHMOUND, Jihan Assistant Professor 745-4582 Marieb 431

MARTINEZ, Miriane Nursing Coordinator 590-1169 Marieb 304

MELHADO, Lolita Assistant Professor 590-7457 Marieb 441

MURRAY, Elizabeth Program Director MSN Nurse Educator

Associate Professor

590-7510 Marieb 322

NEWMAN, Jennifer Nursing Laboratory Assistant 590-7518

NEWMAN, Johanna Assistant Program Director Nurse

Anesthesiology

Assistant Professor

590-7519 Marieb 323

PORTNOY, Lynne Visiting Instructor I 745-4537 Marieb Hall

211B

RONCO, Sabrina Instructor I 590-7521 Marieb 446

SADIGHI, Tammy Assistant Professor 745-4309 Marieb 330

SPIEGEL, Rosann Program Director, Nurse Anesthesiology

Assistant Professor

745-4298 Marieb 313

SWAYNE, Cheryl Assistant Professor 754-4397 Marieb 316

WRIGHT, Sharon Instructor/Lecturer 745-4474 Marieb 427



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DNPNP PROGRAM GUIDEBOOK

2020-2021

CONTENTS

Foreword, Program Director’s Welcome……………………………………. 2

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………. 3

Faculty and Staff……………………………………………………………… 4

I. Introduction to DNP NP Program…………………………………… 8

School of Nursing Vision, Mission, and Philosophy………….…….…. 8

DNP Program Overview………………………………………………... 9

DNP Program Student Learning Outcomes…………………………….. 10

Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (NONPF)……………………… 10

DNP Nurse Practitioner (NP) Major Curriculum………………………. 12

DNP NP Program Requirements………………………………..……… 13

DNP Program Course Descriptions and Credit Hours……………….... 14

II. DNP NP Program Policies and Guidelines……………………….…. 16

Admission Requirements…………………………………………….… 16

Advising………………………………………………………………... 18

Academic Behavior Standards and Academic Integrity……………….. 19

DNP Program Plan of Study Policy……………………………………. 19

Academic Progression Standards………………………………………. 20

Core Performance Standards…………………………………………… 21

Appeal Process…………………………………………………………. 22

Attendance and Punctuality……………………………………………. 23

School of Nursing Civility Policy……………………………………… 24

Computer/Technological Device Requirements……………………….. 24

Deferral Policy…………………………………………………………. 27

Disciplinary and Remediation Actions…………………………………. 27



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Email Policy…………………………………………………………….. 28

Faculty Evaluation of Students………………………………………….. 28

Grading System…………………………………………………………. 29

Graduation Requirements……………………………………………….. 29

Grievances/Program Complaints………………………………………... 30

Chemical Impairment Policy and Procedure……………………………. 30

Information Sharing Policy……………………………………………… 36

School of Nursing Leave of Absence Policy and Procedure……………. 36

Typhon………………………………………………………………….. 36

DNP NP Student Workload Policy …………………………………….. 37

III. Clinical Practice and Laboratory Policies and Guidelines…………. 37

American Heart Association BLS……………………………………… 37

Background Checks……………………………………………………. 38

Cell Phone Policy………………………………………………………. 38

Social Media Policy…………………………………………………….. 38

Clinical Documentation………………………………………………… 41

Clinical Incidents……………………………………………………….. 41

Clinical Site Rotations………………………………………………….. 41

Florida RN License & Current Registration……………………………. 43

Health Insurance………………………………………………………… 43

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Policy………………………………… 43

Immunization and Screening Tests……………………………………… 45

Professional Attire & Name Tags Requirement………………………… 46

Equipment & Supplies ..………………………………………………… 46

Professional Liability Insurance………………………………………… 47

Travel Requirement……………………………………………………… 47

Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior Policy and Procedure………………… 47

IV. General Information……………………………………………...……. 52

Canvas……………………………………………………………………. 52



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College Forms…………………………………………….………………. 52

Confidentiality and Privacy Rights……………………………………….. 52

Intellectual Property Policy……………………………………………….. 52

Copying of Student Records………………………………………………. 52

Disability Accommodations Services………………………………..…… 53

Graduate Tuition Waivers………………………………………………… 53

Library Holdings………………………………………………………….. 53

Name and Address Change……………………………………………….. 53

Student Observance of Religious Holidays……………………………….. 54

Student Representation on School of Nursing Committees………………. 54

Tau Zeta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society…...…… 54

V. Disclaimer & Reservation of Rights……………………………………… 55

APPENDICES…………………………………………………………..… 56

Appendix A- DNP Program Student Guidebook Receipt Acknowledgement 57

Appendix B- SON DNP Program Leave of Absence Request Form……… 58

Appendix C- DNP Program Plans (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)……... 59

Appendix D- Progression Plans……………………………………………. 61

Appendix E- DNP Independent Study in Nursing Proposal………………. 66

Appendix F- Confidentiality Agreement………………………………….. 68

Appendix G - School of Nursing Student Performance Improvement Plan 69

Appendix H- DNP Verification of Precepted MSN Clinical Hours………. 71

Appendix I- Intellectual Property Policy………………………………….. 72

Appendix J- Academic Progression Standards Waiver due to COVID-19 73



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I. INTRODUCTION TO DNP NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM

SCHOOL OF NURSING VISION, MISSION, AND PHILOSOPHY Adopted: April 2008; Revised

March 2017

Vision The School of Nursing envisions a future where faculty and students serve as mentors and

interprofessional role models to develop engaged nurse leaders who deliver transformative care to

diverse populations, conduct research, and promote evidence-based practice through academic and

community partnerships.

Our Values Caring

• Value and exhibit a personal commitment of concern and empathy for patients,

families, communities and self without bias

• Jean Watson: A caring environment is one that offers the development of potential

while allowing the patient to choose the best action for him or herself at a given point

in time Health Promotion

• Actively participate in a culture acknowledging wellness, prevention, wholeness,

physical and mental health, incorporating the mind, body and spirit of patients,

families, communities and self

• Hochbaum, Rosenstock & Kegels’ Health Belief Model: A person’s health- related

behavior depends on the person’s perception of severity of a potential illness,

susceptibility to the illness, benefits of taking preventive action, barriers to taking that

action, and self-efficacy Critical Thinking

• Mindful, judicious use of available knowledge and information to produce best

outcomes for patients, families and communities

• Patricia Benner: Expert nurses develop skills and understanding of patient care over

time through a sound educational base and a multitude of experiences Cultural Connectedness

• Embrace diversity and uniqueness of patients, families, and communities while

recognizing the importance of self-awareness

• Madeleine Leininger: Culture refers to learned, shared, and transmitted values,

beliefs, norms and lifeways to a specific individual or group that guide their

thinking, decisions, actions and pattered ways of living Communication

• Commitment to respectful interpersonal and interprofessional conveyance of

trustworthy, responsible, reliable and ethical information

• Hildegard Peplau: The six main roles of a nurse are stranger, teacher, resource

person, counselor, surrogate and leader



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Safety Culture

• The focus is on effective teamwork to accomplish the goal of safe, high- quality health care.

• QSEN Institute: A patient safety culture incorporates safety principles and is nonpunitive and

emphasizes accountability, excellence, honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.

Mission The School of Nursing mission is consistent with the mission and goals of Florida Gulf Coast University

and the Marieb College of Health & Human Services.

The School of Nursing strives for excellence in providing evidence-based, learner-centered nursing

education that prepares competent and compassionate nursing professionals to meet the ever-changing

healthcare needs of diverse global communities.

Philosophy The faculty of the School of Nursing believes that the practice of professional nursing rests upon a

sound arts and science foundation that prepares graduates to excel in a diverse, rapidly changing, and

technologically oriented society. Faculty members serve as guides, mentors, role models, and

facilitators for students to synthesize the roles and responsibilities of the scope of nursing practice.

Integrated and conceptually based curricula are built upon the principles of communication, critical

thinking, cultural-connectedness, health promotion, and adherence to professional and ethical standards

of practice, which form the foundation for knowledge and skills essential for nursing professionals.

Teaching and learning activities are keystones of the curricula and occur within caring, interdisciplinary,

and environmentally sensitive settings.

Nurse Practitioner Program Philosophy The Nurse Practitioner Faculty believes that graduate nursing education builds upon the foundation of

undergraduate nursing education, and that application of communication, critical thinking, cultural-

connectedness, health promotion, and adherence to professional and ethical standards of practice within

a rapidly changing, diverse and technologically oriented society are essential aspects of nurse

practitioner practice. The Nurse Practitioner Program embraces patient-centered holistic care that is

safe, competent, current and culturally sensitive. The Nurse Practitioner Faculty are committed to life-

long learning, professional development, academic excellence, scholarly inquiry, collegiality,

collaboration and cohesiveness.

DNP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership clinical

opportunities in a variety of evolving global health care environments. The ability to create innovative

roles as well as consolidate existing roles is a hallmark of graduates. Extensive practice experiences

enable student-initiated opportunities that promote development of diverse knowledge, values, and

competencies essential for advanced practice. Throughout the DNP Program, students are guided in the

processes of self-development aimed at pursuing excellence in scholarly and professional endeavors.

The FGCU BSN to DNP Program offers specialty practice studies leading to eligibility as a certified

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The BSN to DNP studies also include the DNP core that focuses on

utilization of research in the practice setting, quality of care delivery, examination of health care



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outcomes, leadership in practice, and fundamentals of nurse education. The total credit hours required

for the Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP major is 81 and a minimum of 1000 practice hours. The program

can be completed in eight semesters (three years) of full-time study or 11 semesters of part-time (four

years) study.

A MSN to DNP is available to candidates who have already completed a Master’s degree in nursing

from a nationally accredited nursing program with a clinical specialty practice area. The MSN to DNP

builds upon the candidate’s specialty practice area through a DNP core that focuses on utilization of

research in the practice setting, quality of care delivery, examination of health care outcomes, leadership

in practice, and fundamentals of nurse education. The total credit hours required for the MSN to DNP is

36 credit hours and a minimum of 1000 hours including MSN clinical practice hours.

DNP PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (DNP Essential #)

At the completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide high quality, ethical patient-

centered care that meets current standards of best practice. (# 2)

2. Lead inter-professional teams to design, implement, and evaluate clinical practice strategies

based on theoretical, scientific, and ethical knowledge. (#1, #2, #6)

3. Integrate advanced critical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex

clinical situations and systems in a selected area of advanced practice nursing and

organizational systems. (#8)

4. Implement health care delivery models and strategies designed for increased safety and

quality improvement in health promotion, clinical prevention and population health. (#2, #7)

5. Employ evidence-based framework and information technology to evaluate and develop

strategies and interventions to improve health status, access patterns, and identify gaps in

care of diverse patients, populations, and organizations. (#1, #3, #4)

6. Advocate for change in health care practice and health care environments through policy

development, implementation, and evaluation. (#2, #5, #8)

NURSE PRACTITIONER CORE COMPETENCIES (From the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2017)

Scientific Foundation Competencies

1. Critically analyzes data and evidence for improving advanced nursing practice.

2. Integrates knowledge from the humanities and sciences within the context of nursing science.

3. Translates research and other forms of knowledge to improve practice processes and outcomes.

4. Develops new practice approaches based on the integration of research, theory, and practice knowledge.

Leadership Competencies

1. Assumes complex and advanced leadership roles to initiate and guide change.

2. Provides leadership to foster collaboration with multiple stakeholders (e.g. patients, community,

integrated health care teams, and policy makers) to improve health care.

3. Demonstrates leadership that uses critical and reflective thinking.

4. Advocates for improved access, quality and cost effective health care.

5. Advances practice through the development and implementation of innovations incorporating principles

of change.



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6. Communicates practice knowledge effectively both orally and in writing.

7. Participates in professional organizations and activities that influence advanced practice nursing and/or

health outcomes of a population focus.

Quality Competencies

1. Uses best available evidence to continuously improve quality of clinical practice.

2. Evaluates the relationships among access, cost, quality, and safety and their influence on health care.

3. Evaluates how organizational structure, care processes, financing, marketing and policy decisions impact

the quality of health care.

4. Applies skills in peer review to promote a culture of excellence.

5. Anticipates variations in practice and is proactive in implementing interventions to ensure quality.

Practice Inquiry Competencies

1. Provides leadership in the translation of new knowledge into practice.

2. Generates knowledge from clinical practice to improve practice and patient outcomes.

3. Applies clinical investigative skills to improve health outcomes.

4. Leads practice inquiry, individually or in partnership with others.

5. Disseminates evidence from inquiry to diverse audiences using multiple modalities.

6. Analyzes clinical guidelines for individualized application into practice

Technology and Information Literacy Competencies

1. Integrates appropriate technologies for knowledge management to improve health care.

2. Translates technical and scientific health information appropriate for various users’ needs.

a. Assesses the patient’s and caregiver’s educational needs to provide effective, personalized

health care.

b. Coaches the patient and caregiver for positive behavioral change.

3. Demonstrates information literacy skills in complex decision making.

4. Contributes to the design of clinical information systems that promote safe, quality and cost

effective care.

5. Uses technology systems that capture data on variables for the evaluation of nursing care.

Policy Competencies

1. Demonstrates an understanding of the interdependence of policy and practice.

2. Advocates for ethical policies that promote access, equity, quality, and cost.

3. Analyzes ethical, legal, and social factors influencing policy development.

4. Contributes in the development of health policy.

5. Analyzes the implications of health policy across disciplines.

6. Evaluates the impact of globalization on health care policy development.

Health Delivery System Competencies

1. Applies knowledge of organizational practices and complex systems to improve health care delivery.

2. Effects health care change using broad based skills including negotiating, consensus-building,

and partnering.

3. Minimizes risk to patients and providers at the individual and systems level.

4. Facilitates the development of health care systems that address the needs of culturally diverse

populations, providers, and other stakeholders.

5. Evaluates the impact of health care delivery on patients, providers, other stakeholders, and

the environment.

6. Analyzes organizational structure, functions and resources to improve the delivery of care.

7. Collaborates in planning for transitions across the continuum of care.



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Ethics Competencies

1. Integrates ethical principles in decision making.

2. Evaluates the ethical consequences of decisions.

3. Applies ethically sound solutions to complex issues related to individuals, populations and systems

of care.

Independent Practice Competencies

1. Functions as a licensed independent practitioner.

2. Demonstrates the highest level of accountability for professional practice.

3. Practices independently managing previously diagnosed and undiagnosed patients.

a. Provides the full spectrum of health care services to include health promotion, disease prevention,

health protection, anticipatory guidance, counseling, disease management, palliative, and end of

life care.

b. Uses advanced health assessment skills to differentiate between normal, variations of normal and

abnormal findings.

c. Employs screening and diagnostic strategies in the development of diagnoses.

d. Prescribes medications within scope of practice.

e. Manages the health/illness status of patients and families over time.

4. Provides patient-centered care recognizing cultural diversity and the patient or designee as a full partner

in decision-making.

a. Works to establish a relationship with the patient characterized by mutual respect, empathy,

and collaboration.

b. Creates a climate of patient-centered care to include confidentiality, privacy, comfort, emotional

support, mutual trust, and respect.

c. Incorporates the patient’s cultural and spiritual preferences, values, and beliefs into health care.

d. Preserves the patient’s control over decision making by negotiating a mutually acceptable plan

of care.

e. Develops strategies to prevent one’s own personal biases from interfering with delivery of quality

care.

f. Addresses cultural, spiritual, and ethnic influences that potentially create conflict among

individuals, families, staff and caregivers.

5. Educates professional and lay caregivers to provide culturally and spiritually sensitive, appropriate care

6. Collaborates with both professional and other caregivers to achieve optimal care outcomes.

7. Coordinates transitional care services in and across care settings.

8. Participates in the development, use, and evaluation of professional standards and evidence-based care

DNP NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP) MAJOR CURRICULUM

The DNP NP curriculum is developed by qualified faculty, constructed within graduate education, and

approved by appropriate committees and organizations. Changes in the current Program length are

approved by the governing entities, and published before implementation. The DNP Program

curriculum plan was developed by the University-based DNP Program faculty and SON administrators

and faculty and received approval from the following:

1. SON Faculty Graduate Curriculum Admissions and Progression Committee

2. SON Faculty Organization

3. Marieb College of Health and Human Services Graduate Curricular Affairs Committee

4. University Graduate Curriculum Committee



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DNP NP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

BSN to DNP Major Courses

(Total 81 Credit Hours)

Credit Hours

NGR 6002 Advanced Health Assessment 3

NGR 6002L Adv. Health Assessment Practice 1

NGR 6141 Advanced Pathophysiology 4

NGR 6638 Advanced Health Promotion 3

NGR 6712 Foundations of Nursing Education 3

NGR 6811 Advanced Nursing Research 3

NGR 6872 Nursing Information Management 3

NGR 6172 Pharmacotherapeutics 4

NGR 6240 Primary Health Care I 4

NGR 6240L Primary Health Care I – Practice (120 Hrs) 2

NGR 6741 Primary Health Care II 3

NGR 6741L Primary Health Care II Practice (120 Hrs) 2

NGR 6305 Primary Health Care III 3

NGR 6305L Primary Health Care III Practice (120 Hrs) 2

NGR 6252 Primary Health Care IV 4

NGR 6252L Primary Health Care IV Practice (240 Hrs) 4

NGR 7176 Advanced Pharmacology & Genomics 3

NGR 7895 Health Policy 3

NGR 7846 Biostatistics & Epidemiology 3

NGR 7856 Evidence-Based Translational Research 3

NGR 7899 Organization Systems & Leadership 3

NGR 7768 Basis of Advanced Practice Nursing 3

NGR 7769 Advanced Practice Management 3

NGR 7974 DNP Project 5***

NGR 7949L DNP Clinical Practice (420 Hrs) 7***

***Credit hours are spread over varying semesters



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MSN to DNP Major Courses

(Total 36 Credit Hours)

Credit Hours





NGR 7856 Evidence-Based Translational Research 3



NGR 7974 DNP Project 5***

NGR 7974L DNP Clinical Practice 7***

***Credit hours are spread over varying semesters

DNP PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND CREDIT HOURS

The School of Nursing is congruent with the university in regard to credit hour allocation: one semester

hour of credit is awarded for one 50-minute clock hour of classroom instruction per week.

Didactic courses in the DNP Program curriculum plan utilize a ratio of fifteen (15) contact hours to

one (1) credit hour. Clinical practicum courses use a ratio of sixty (60) contact hours to one (1) credit

hour to meet course objectives.

NGR 6002 – Advanced Health Assessment- 3 credit(s)

Collection and synthesis of client database and differential diagnosis of common client problems. Using critical thinking and a holistic lifespan approach, students interpret, analyze, and document alterations in health to serve as a basis for client management. Corequisite(s): NGR 6002L, Fee required

NGR 6002L – Adv Health Assessment - Practice - 1 credit(s)

Practice section of NGR 6002. Emphasis is placed skills needed to assess health status of individuals across the lifespan. Students interpret, analyze, and document alterations in health to serve as a basis for client management. Corequisite(s): NGR 6002L

NGR 6141- Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 credit(s)

Emphasis is placed on investigation, analysis, and interpretation of pathophysiologic bases of clinical manifestations of selected alterations in health. Focus is on advanced practice nursing implications for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration.

NGR 6240 – Primary Health Care I – 4 credit(s) Theoretical and practice bases for providing primary health care to adults in the community. Emphasis is on advanced practice nursing strategies for promotion and maintenance of health and management of adult health care needs. Prerequisite(s): NGR 6002, NGR 6002L, NGR 6141 Corequisite(s): NGR 6240L

NGR 6240L - Primary Health Care I – Practice - 2 credit(s) Focus is on the beginning application of nurse practitioner knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of adult clients. Prerequisite(s): NGR 6002, NGR 6002L, NGR 6141 Corequisite(s): NGR 6240, Fee Required



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NGR 6252 - Primary Health Care IV - 4 credit(s) Incorporation and integration of all components of the primary health care nurse practitioner role developed in preceding courses with further refinement of advanced practice knowledge and competency with emphasis on the older adult. Prerequisite(s): NGR 6240, NGR 6240L and (NGR 6741 and NGR 6741L or NGR 6305 and NGR 6305L) Corequisite(s): NGR 6252L

NGR 6252L - Primary Health Care IV – Practice – 4 credit(s) Emphasis is on further refinement of advanced practice knowledge and competency with emphasis on the older adult incorporation and integration of all components of the primary health nurse care practitioner role developed in preceding courses. Prerequisite(s): NGR 6240/NGR 6240L and (NGR 6741 and NGR 6741L or NGR 6305 and NGR 6305L) Corequisite(s): NGR 6252 Fee Required

NGR 6305 - Primary Health Care III - 3credit(s) The course focuses on strategies for health promotion, maintenance and prevention of common health problems and management of alterations in children and families. Prerequisite(s): NGR 6172, NGR 6240 and NGR 6240L Corequisite(s): NGR 6305L

NGR 6305L - Primary Health Care III – Practice - 2 credit(s) Emphasis is on the continued application of knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of children and their families. The course focuses on common health problems and management of alterations in children and their families. Prerequisite(s): NGR 6172, NGR 6240 and NGR 6240L) Corequisite(s): NGR 6305 Fee Required

NGR 6638 – Advanced Health Promotion - 3 credit(s) Focuses on theory and evidence-based health promotion practice for individuals, aggregates, communities, and vulnerable populations in a global, multicultural society.

NGR 6172 – Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 credit(s)

Focus is on the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose and pharmacologically manage common health problems in a safe, high quality, cost-effective manner. Emphasis is on Pharmacotherapeutics using an integrative approach to examine the use and efficacy of traditional and some complementary drug therapies used in advanced practice nursing.

NGR 6712 - Foundations of Nursing Education - 3 credit(s) Exploration of nursing education within a broad context related to history, philosophy and the principles of adult-learning theory.

NGR 6741 - Primary Health Care II – 3 credit(s) The course focuses on strategies for health maintenance and prevention of common health problems and management of health alterations in women and families. Prerequisite(s): Corequisite(s): NGR 6741L

NGR 6741L - Primary Health Care II – Practice - 2 credit(s) Focus is on the application of knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of women. The course focuses on common health problems and management of alterations in women and families. Prerequisite(s): Corequisite(s): NGR 6172, NGR 6240 and NGR 6240L Fee Required

NGR 6811 – Advanced Nursing Research - 3 credit(s) Examination and evaluation of questions, methods, designs, and frameworks for research and evidence-based practice.

NGR 6872 - Nursing Information Management – 3 credit(s)

Focus is on analysis of evolving information technology and its application to traditional and new environments of nursing. Emphasis is further directed to examination and evaluation of nursing and healthcare information management systems to enhance and promote optimum patient outcomes in a cost effective, safe, and ethical manner.

NGR 6905 - Independent Study in Nursing - 1 to 6 credit(s) Directed, individualized study of a current concept, problem or issue pertaining to nursing.

NGR 6930 - Special Topics in Nursing - 1 to 6 credit(s) Examination of advanced topics in nursing. The course may be repeated for different topic areas, and content may vary.



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NGR 7176 - Advanced Pharmacology and Genomics Focus is on application and analysis of complex advanced nursing practice issues related to pharmacotherapeutics, genetics, and genomics as an essential component of patient-centered care. Emphasis further directed to the examination and evaluation of nursing and healthcare information management systems to enhance and promote optimum patient outcomes in a cost effective, safe and ethical manner.

NGR 7846 - Biostatistics & Epidemiology - 3 credit(s) Emphasis is on statistical analysis methods that are used in clinical and population health research. Focuses on epidemiological perspective on health by addressing general approaches for describing patterns of disease in

populations.

NGR 7856 - Evidence-Based Trans Research - 3 credit(s) Focus is on the acquisition of skills in the translation, application, and evaluation of research emphasizing evidence-based practice to solve clinical problems and promote optimum health outcomes.

NGR 7895 - Health Policy - 3 credit(s) Analysis of processes involved in health policy development, dissemination, and implementation. Focus is directed at

evaluation of issues impacting policy decision making.

NGR 7899 - Organization Systems & Leadership - 3 credit(s) Focus is on developing abilities to conceptualize new care delivery models that are feasible within current organizational, political, cultural, and economic perspectives. Principles of practice management and strategies for

balancing productivity with quality of care are emphasized.

NGR 7768 - Basis of Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credit(s) Examination of major issues and challenges forming the foundation of advanced practice nursing. Focus is on historical evolution of the role, healthcare ethics, legal risk of practice, quality improvement indicators of practice, and culturally competent healthcare.

NGR 7769 - Advanced Practice Management - 3 credit(s) Analysis of major issues and directions for advanced practice nursing. Emphasis is on reimbursement, quality indicators of patient safety and satisfaction, relevance of theory-based practice in the management of care, and public policy and the political process of change.

NGR 7974 - DNP Project -1-5 credit(s) * A synthesis of work in which a project is planned, implemented, evaluated, and presented. The project addresses a

complex practice or clinical problem within the student's field.

NGR 7949L - DNP Clinical Practice - 1-7 credit(s) *

Emphasis is on the development of clinical expertise in the management of health problems in selected populations.

* Practice hours are required for the DNP Project and DNP Clinical Practice courses. Credits will vary depending on the semester and the required clinical hours to meet a minimum of 1000 practice hours.

II. DNP PROGRAM POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission requirements for the DNP Program are published in the printed and electronic information

provided to applicants for the Program. The DNP Program admissions requirements are consistent with

the CCNE, the School, and the University.

Since the DNP Program has a limited number of places, the applicant who meets minimum requirements

for admission is not guaranteed admission to the Program. The DNP Program Admissions Committee

makes the admission decisions on applicants who are recommended to the SON Director.



17

All students must maintain current RN licensure, immunizations, and BLS while in the program.

All students must complete level one and two background checks and drug screening after offer of

admission to the DNP program and these must be cleared prior to the start of classes. Additionally,

further background checks and drug screening may be required during the program. Details on these

procedures will be given after applicants are conditionally accepted.

Clinical agencies may request information on criminal background check and/or drug screen of students

in the BSN to DNP Program or MSN to DNP Program, it will be the student’s responsibility to provide

the requested background and or drug screen information to the agency. At times, some agencies may

request that students complete an additional criminal background check or drug screen.

All applicants must also provide a waiver granting the Graduate Admission and Progression

Committee permission to contact the program(s) attended to verify information.

Students will be admitted to the DNP in the fall of each year. For priority consideration, all application

materials must be received by March 1st of the year in which entry is sought. Application materials

received after March 1st will be considered on a space available basis. All applications to the DNP

program must be submitted through the FGCU Office of Research and Graduate Studies and

NursingCas.

The School of Nursing conducts a competitive admissions process. The following are the minimum

requirements for admission.

BSN to DNP Major Application Requirements:

1. Application through the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.

2. Supplemental application for the DNP program, which may be accessed through NursingCAS, a

centralized application system for nursing programs.

3. Official transcript(s) for all colleges and universities attended including a bachelor’s degree

transcript from a national (CCNE or ACEN) accredited nursing program and regionally

accredited institution or the equivalent bachelor’s degree in nursing from a foreign institution.

4. Show evidence of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

5. Evidence of an unrestricted license or eligibility for licensure as an RN in Florida.

6. Provide evidence of a minimum of one year of current practice experience as a registered nurse

in an acute care hospital setting.

7. Current resume or curriculum vitae.

8. Personal statement of professional goals in 300 to 350 words.

9. Completion of undergraduate level nursing Health Assessment and Statistics with a grade of "C"

or better.

10. If applicable, applicants who have attended but not completed a DNP or doctoral nursing

program must provide an official transcript from that program and a letter of standing from the

dean of the school of nursing (or designee) that addresses potential for success in a DNP

program.

11. Provide three professional references that indicate your potential for doctoral study, clinical

proficiency, and academic competence. References should include one from a faculty, one from

a supervisor, and one from a registered nurse, APRN, or physician familiar with the applicant’s

professional expertise. Please request references through NursingCAS in the Applicant

Evaluation Section.

http://www.fgcu.edu/Graduate/index.html

https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.com/




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12. A personal interview may be required with designated faculty.

13. International students’ admission requirements can be found at International Students Admission

Requirements.

MSN to DNP Major Application Requirements:

1. Application through the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.

2. Supplemental application for the DNP program, which may be accessed through NursingCAS, a

centralized application system for nursing programs.

3. Official transcript(s) for all colleges and universities attended including a master’s degree

transcript from a nationally(CCNE or ACEN) accredited nursing program and regionally

accredited institution or the equivalent bachelor’s and/or graduate degrees in nursing from a

foreign institution.

4. Earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

5. Evidence of an unrestricted license or eligibility for licensure as an RN or ARNP in Florida,

depending on area of study.

6. A current resume or curriculum vitae.

7. Personal statement of professional goals in 300 to 350 words.

8. Show completion of the following graduate level nursing courses: Pathophysiology,

Pharmacology, Physical Assessment, and Research.

9. Official transcript(s) of completed course work in the applicant’s prior MSN program must

demonstrate equivalency to the didactic and clinical practice hours of the pre-certification phase

of the FGCU BSN to DNP. If not equivalent, this course work must be completed prior to

starting the core course work in the MSN to DNP.

10. If applicable, applicants who have attended but not completed another DNP or doctoral nursing

program must provide an official transcript from that program and a letter of standing from the

dean of the school of nursing (or designee) that also addresses potential for success in a DNP

program.

11. A personal interview may be required with designated faculty.

12. Provide three professional references that indicate your potential for doctoral study, clinical

proficiency, and academic competence. References should include one from a faculty, one from

a supervisor, and one from a registered nurse, APRN, or physician familiar with the applicant’s

professional expertise. Please request references through NursingCAS in the Applicant

Evaluation Section.

ADVISING

Graduate Students enter Florida Gulf Coast University School of Nursing (SON) with varied

backgrounds and motivating factors. To maintain the standards of the school and to serve the best

interest of each student, academic advising by designated SON DNP Program faculty is provided for

every semester of enrollment. The School of Nursing is responsible for management of those processes

related to admission, advising, and graduation of students.

All students are assigned a SON DNP Program faculty advisor on admission to the program.

The purpose of academic advising is to assist the student in his/her academic progression throughout

https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/prospectivegraduatestudents/internationalstudents

https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/prospectivegraduatestudents/internationalstudents




19

the program. The role of the advisor is to assist students with adjustment to the School of Nursing and

facilitate a smooth progression through the program.

The advisor/advisee relationship should be seen as a unique opportunity for mentoring and professional

growth. The following principles guide the advisor/student relationship:

• The advisor and student have a joint responsibility to maintain contact with one another

regarding progress within the graduate program.

• Students are encouraged to schedule regular advising sessions throughout the graduate program

(minimum once per semester) to monitor progress towards completion of all requirements

for graduation.

• Students are expected to phone or email their assigned advisor in advance to set up advising

sessions.

• The student has the right to examine his/her advising file at any time and the responsibility to

provide the information necessary to make it accurate and complete.

ACADEMIC BEHAVIOR STANDARDS AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

All students are expected to demonstrate honesty in their academic pursuits. In safeguarding the essential

professional standards of honesty and integrity, faculty are compelled to apply academic sanctions which

can be as severe as dismissal from the DNP Program. The university policies regarding issues of honesty

can be found at the Office of Student Conduct Website under the Academic Integrity. All students are

expected to study the documents on the Office of Student Conduct website that outlines their

responsibilities and consequences for violations of the academic behavior standards and integrity.

DNP PROGRAM PLAN OF STUDY POLICY

All students who are admitted to either the BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP Program (DNP Program) must

follow an established full-time or part-time DNP Program Plan of Study (Plan of Study) throughout

enrollment. The Plan of Study for each student must be identified and approved by the DNP Program

Director or designee.

A student may follow a Modified Plan of Study only upon written request by the student and prior

written approval of the DNP Program Director or designee. Students who wish to withdraw from DNP

Program coursework must obtain the DNP Program Director or designee’s approval prior to

withdrawing and must have an approved Modified Plan of Study within thirty (30) days to ensure timely

progression through the DNP Program. A student who accepts an approved Modified Plan of Study

does so with the knowledge that the Program has no obligation to offer courses out of sequence in order

to accommodate the student’s Modified Plan of Study, and that the student may be required to meet

newly established Program requirements that may arise during any delay in progression through the

Program that may result.

Failure to follow an approved Plan of Study for one (1) semester results in the student being

immediately placed on academic probation. Failure to follow an approved Plan of Study for two (2)

semesters results in dismissal from the DNP Program. (See Academic Progression Standards).

https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/#StudentConduct

https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/#AcademicIntegrity



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ACADEMIC PROGRESSION STANDARDS

DNP Program (BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP):

DNP students must meet all Academic Progression Standards (Standards) as listed below. Academic

Probation, when applicable, is imposed automatically, regardless of official notification.

1. Failure to follow the approved DNP Program Plan of Study for one (1) semester results in the

student being placed on Academic Probation. Failure to follow the approved DNP Program Plan of

Study for two (2) semesters results in the student being dismissed from the DNP Program.

2. Students must maintain an overall academic Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in all work

attempted in the DNP Program to be considered in “good academic standing”. Students placed on

Academic Probation will have the equivalent of nine (9) credit hours (Probation Period) to improve

their GPA to 3.0. If the student does not achieve an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 by the end of the

Probation Period, the student will be dismissed from the DNP program.

3. Students who fail to earn a minimum grade of “B” or “S” (Satisfactory), as applicable, will be placed

on Academic Probation.

4. Students who receive less than a “B” in two (2) different NGR courses will be dismissed from the

DNP program, regardless of overall academic GPA.

5. Students must achieve a grade of “B” or higher in a NGR theory course in order to receive a passing

grade (“S”) in an associated NGR L practice course. Conversely, a student must achieve a

satisfactory grade (‘S”) in a NGR L practice course in order to receive a passing grade (“B” or

higher) in the associated NGR theory course.

6. A grade of “D”, “F”, “WF”, or “U” (Unsatisfactory) is not a passing grade in any Graduate Nursing

(NGR) course in the DNP Program. A student who receives a grade of “D”, “F”, “WF”, or “U” will

be dismissed from the DNP Program.

7. *Students who receive a grade of “I” (Incomplete) in any clinical practice course may not progress

to the next clinical course and any associated theory course until the requirements for the “I” have

been met and the grade has been changed to a Satisfactory (“S”) grade.

*Refer to policy waiver due to COVID-19 global Pandemic 2020 in the Appendices

WITHDRAWAL FROM DNP COURSE

1. Withdrawal (“W”) from a DNP Course is defined as officially withdrawing from any course in the

Plan of Study after the Drop/Add period and before the final Drop/Withdraw date as stated in the

FGCU Academic Calendar for the applicable semester.

2. Students are limited to one (1) withdrawal (“W”) per course and to a total of two (2) course

withdrawals (“Ws”) throughout the Plan of Study. Students are not permitted to enroll in any course

in the DNP Plan of Study more than two (2) times (excluding DNP Project and DNP Clinical

3. Practice). Any student who withdraws from a course more than once or from more than two (2)

courses in the Plan of Study may be dismissed from the DNP Program. Withdrawal from a course

more than once or from more than two (2) courses in the Plan of Study may be approved by the DNP

Program Director for extenuating circumstances if the student meets with the Program Director as

specified within thirty (30) days of the withdrawal as per #5 below.

4. A student who withdraws from a NGR theory course is concurrently withdrawn from the associated

NGR L practice course. Conversely, a student who withdraws from a NGR L practice course is

concurrently withdrawn from the associated NGR theory course. Concurrent withdrawal from NGR



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theory and associated NGR L practice courses will count as one (1) withdrawal (“W”) per course

and a total of one (1) withdrawal (“W”) from the Plan of Study. 5. A student who has a failing grade in any course from which he or she is withdrawing will be placed

on Academic Probation. 6. Students who wish to withdraw from Plan of Study coursework must obtain the DNP Program

Director or designee’s approval prior to withdrawing and must have an approved Modified Plan of

Study within thirty (30) days to ensure timely progression through the DNP Program. (See DNP

Program Plan of Study Policy).

7. A student who withdraws after the Last Day to Drop/Withdraw without Academic Penalty as stated

in the FGCU Academic Calendar for the applicable semester and receives a “WF” will be dismissed

from the Program.

ACADEMIC PROGESS TIME LIMIT

A maximum of five (5) calendar years from the date of matriculation is allowed for completion of all DNP

Program requirements (Time Limit). Students must enroll in the Fall, Summer, and Spring semesters of each

academic year throughout completion of the DNP Program. Once a student enrolls in NGR 7974 DNP

Project, the student must register and maintain enrollment in NGR 7974 DNP Project until the DNP Project

is completed. Students who do not complete all DNP Program requirements as stated in this policy will be

dismissed from the Program.

EXTENSION OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS TIME LIMIT

A student may request an Extension of the Time Limit to complete all DNP Program requirements.

Such requests must be in writing prior to the expiration of the Time Limit and may be granted on an

individual basis for extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the DNP Program Director or

designee. Extension of time is not guaranteed.

MSN-DNP STUDENTS VERIFICATION OF PRIOR CLINICAL HOURS

Upon admission into the DNP Program, MSN-DNP students from nurse practitioner (NP) programs

other than FGCU must provide written verification of clinical hours from the NP program director.

Please see appendix H for the Verification of Clinical Hours Form.

CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The faculty of the School of Nursing endorses the guidelines of the Southern Regional Education Board

(SREB) Council for Collegiate Education for Nursing Education and has adopted Core Performance

Standards. The FGCU School of Nursing Core Performance Standards (Standards) are the essential

eligibility requirements for the School of Nursing and set forth the essential cognitive, sensory, affective, and

psychomotor performance requirements that must be met throughout enrollment in an undergraduate or

graduate nursing program. The Standards may be accessed online at School of Nursing Core Performance

Standards and Policies.

http://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/Nursing/BSNDNP/SON-core.html

http://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/Nursing/BSNDNP/SON-core.html



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APPEAL PROCESS

In accordance with University guidelines students may appeal the following:

1. Grades or other academic action taken by an instructor.

2. Grades resulting from an instructor’s:

a) Alleged deviation from established and announced grading policy.

b) Alleged errors in application of grading procedures.

c) Alleged lowering of grades for non-academic reasons.

NOTE: The professional judgment exercised by an instructor in assigning a grade or in conducting a class are excluded

from the provisions of this rule except as noted in (1), (2) a, b and c above.

RESOLUTION OF STUDENT APPEALS: SCHOOL LEVEL PROCESS

A. All student grade appeals or allegations of specific wrongful academic action(s) by an instructor

shall first be brought to the attention of the instructor of the course. This action must be initiated

within one semester of the alleged wrongful action or grade, or as soon thereafter as the student

becomes aware of such action. The parties should attempt to resolve the problem in as speedy and

satisfactory manner as possible. If dissatisfied with the instructor’s decision, or if the instructor is

not available, the student may continue to pursue an informal solution with the DNP Program

Director. If dissatisfied with the Program Director decision, or if the Program Director is not

available, the student may continue to pursue an informal solution with the School of Nursing

Director.

B. The instructor, DNP Program Director, and School Director should make every effort with the

student to solve the problem at the informal level. This resolution shall take place within ten (10)

school days of the complaint being brought to the School Director. At the time the School Director

notifies the student of this decision, he/she should also inform the student of the formal procedure

for appeal. The School Director decision must be in writing.

C. When the instructor is not available to discuss the problem, if at all possible, the resolution should

wait until such time as the instructor can return to the campus, but not longer than one semester. If

the DNP Program Director and School Director determine that an emergency exists requiring that

the problem must be solved prior to the availability of the instructor (e.g. in a case of probable

delayed graduation), the Program Director and School Director shall make every reasonable effort to

apprise the instructor of the situation. The instructor may elect to submit a written statement and to

designate a faculty replacement to aid in solving the problem. If the instructor cannot be reached or

does not elect to designate a replacement and the complaint must be dealt with promptly, then the

School Director shall act on behalf of the instructor.

D. If the appeal or allegation is made against the DNP Program Director in the role of instructor, then

the student shall treat the initial appeal as the appeal to the Program Director DNP Program and

proceed accordingly.

E. If the appeal or allegation is made against the School Director in the role of instructor, then the

student shall treat the initial appeal as the appeal to the School Director and proceed accordingly.

RESOLUTION OF STUDENT APPEALS: COLLEGE LEVEL & FINAL APPEAL

If not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint proposed by the School of Nursing Director, the

student may proceed within ten (10) school days of receipt of the School Director’s decision to file a

written appeal with the Office of the Dean of the College in which the course is housed. The written



23

appeal to be introduced at the college level only after informal resolution has failed must clearly specify

the action which the student perceives as wrong. Please refer to the FGCU Office of Judicial Affairs for

the complete process for COLLEGE LEVEL Student Grade Appeals and FINAL APPEAL. Available

online at Office of Student Conduct

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

An expectation of professional DNP practice is that students attend all classes, skills labs, simulations

and clinical practice experiences. Responsibility and accountability for meeting course obligations is a

fundamental component of professionalism.

In Classrooms, Laboratories, and Simulations:

Students assume responsibility for attending all classes, however in the event a class period is missed,

the student is responsible for all material covered and all announcements. Personal business (non-

emergent physician appointments, job interviews, etc.) must be handled during the student’s own time

and are not to be scheduled during class or clinical time except in emergency situations. If a student

misses an examination, arrangements must be made with the faculty member for a make-up examination

however such examination is not automatically guaranteed depending on the nature of the absence.

In the rare instance where illness or other catastrophic event prohibits attendance in class, lab or simulation

experience, the following process must be followed:

A. Personal email to faculty instructor notifying of absence; and

B. Substantiate absence with supporting documentation (i.e. doctor’s note, court summons etc)

Further, punctuality and attentiveness is courteous behavior exemplified by:

• Being on time and remaining for the entire class period.

• Remaining in the classroom or lab until a break or end of the period

• Turning off cell phone and other communication devices.

In Clinical Practice Sites:

Punctual attendance at clinical practice experiences is required. Students who are tardy must follow

the policies and procedures established by DNP Program Director and faculty. Excessive tardiness

may result in disciplinary action.

Tardiness includes reporting late for clinical or having extended lunch periods and coffee breaks in the

clinical area. A pattern of excessive tardiness results in counseling by the preceptor at the clinical site

and/or by the DNP Program Director. Any further tardiness may result in disciplinary action.

All counseling sessions related to tardiness are documented and become part of a student’s file.

If a student has knowledge that he/she will be delayed in reporting to clinical, he/she should make every

effort to notify appropriate preceptor. The student must also notate tardiness in Typhon. It is the

policy of the DNP Program that any student reporting to clinical two hours or more later than scheduled

may be considered absent for the day. Such incidents are handled on a case-by-case basis.

http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/StudentConduct/



24

In the rare instance where illness or other catastrophic event prohibits attendance at or completion of a

clinical field experience, the following process must be followed:

A. Personal contact by telephone to clinical preceptor (No E-mail, no texts).

AND

B. Personal contact by telephone to DNP Program Director.

AND

C. All missed clinical time must be made up.

Failure to meet class and clinical practice attendance and punctuality requirements may result in

an unsatisfactory grade in the course and could result in dismissal from the DNP Program.

SCHOOL OF NURSING CIVILITY POLICY Approved by Faculty Organization December 18, 2017.

The learning environment (classroom, virtual classroom, simulation, laboratories, practice sites, hallways,

offices etc.) in which students gain knowledge, values, and competencies is co-created by all who enter into

this environment. Students in the School of Nursing conform to, and express themselves in conventional

patterns of social behavior. Such behavior is consistently expressed through social politeness, keen

sensitivity, respect, and courteous treatment to others. Disruptive Behavior on campus will be managed

through the FGCU Classroom Management process. Disruptive behavior in clinical settings may result in

removal from practice and an Unsatisfactory grade in the course.

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICE REQUIREMENTS

The DNP Program is designed to utilize the latest technology in teaching and learning for more efficient

use of faculty and students’ time. Students are required to be computer literate (word processing) upon

entering the DNP Program and have in their possession a notebook computer that is compatible with

FGCU student computer-defined specifications. The computer must be capable of sending and receiving

e-mail, and conducting Internet searches. Students are expected to access course syllabi, outlines, and

handouts on the DNP Program Canvas learning management system. A high speed internet service

provider with point-to-point protocol is recommended. FGCU’s Student Computer Recommendations

can be found at Business Technology Services.

It is required that the student possess a handheld/phone/tablets devices to access the Typhon Group

website and point of care references. Examples of handheld devices include:

1. Apple devices (such as the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) 2. Android devices (such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab)

With any handheld, phone, or tablet we recommend accessing the website with 3G/4G or Wi-Fi internet

connection for the best user experience. Please note: These devices are to be used to enhance the

educational process and are not to be used during class or clinical time unless expressly authorized by

the instructor or clinical preceptor. All cell phones and personal electronic devices are to OFF and put

away during class or clinical.

https://www2.fgcu.edu/studentservices/StudentConduct/classroom-management-sc.html

http://www.fgcu.edu/BTS/index.html



25

Distance Learning Guidelines:

Courses throughout the DNP Program will be taught in a hybrid Distance Learning format with on-line

learning activities, web-based meetings, and on-campus meetings conducted throughout each semester

using synchronous and asynchronous learning technology (Adobe Connect, Canvas Learning

Management System, and other technology as appropriate). This format of instruction will permit students

to engage in many of the learning activities regardless of geographic location.

Insightful preparation and participation in assignments are required for successful completion of Distance

Learning format courses. Unless otherwise directed by the course instructor, all assignments are expected

to be the original and independent work of the student. No substitution for an assigned activity will be

permitted except in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the course instructor.

In distance learning courses, students are required to use Canvas email for all correspondence with

instructors and fellow students. Students should monitor their Eagle mail accounts and their Canvas email

at least once per day for announcements, assignments, and other relevant courses and/or DNP Program

information. Students should be aware that Canvas email and Eagle mail are two separate email systems.

Both will need to be monitored daily as general correspondence from the School of Nursing and/or the

DNP Program may be sent via Eagle mail. Students should not utilize their private email accounts for any

FGCU or distance learning correspondence.

Students should take into account that faculty may require 24 to 48 hours to respond to electronic

communications Monday through Friday, and that faculty may be unavailable to respond to electronic

communications during weekends and holidays.

Required Technology:

Computer with internet access, web browser, camera, microphone, headset, and software capable of

accessing course materials and submitting course assignments compatible with distance learning

technology (e.g., Adobe Connect or other software programs) and the Canvas learning management

system.

Distance Learning Technology requirements and Information for Students

Academic and Event Technology Services provides student support for Canvas and additional student

technology resources. Academic and Event Technology Services

Microsoft Office is available at Business Technology Services

Business Technology Services assists students with Eagle mail, computer needs, virus protection,

smartphone and other access devices. The Business Technology Help Desk may be contacted at 239-590-

1188 and helpdesk link. Additional student information regarding Business Technology Services may be

accessed at Business Technology Services.

Faculty may require specific technology and/or software for completing course work and assignments,

peer interaction, and electronic communication, which will be designated in the syllabus for each course.

https://www.fgcu.edu/distance/studentresources/

https://www.fgcu.edu/distance/studentresources/

http://www.fgcu.edu/technology.asp

https://www2.fgcu.edu/BTS/discounts.html

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.fgcu.edu/BTS/index.html



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Synchronous and Hybrid Meetings:

Course instructors may schedule mandatory synchronous meetings using distance learning technology,

such as Adobe Connect and mandatory face to face meetings. Students are required to attend and

participate in all on-campus or synchronous class meetings associated with all DNP courses in which

they are enrolled, the ability to make up these assignments is extremely limited. These meetings will be

scheduled in advance and posted on the DNP Portal. Students should log in to the synchronous meeting

at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to ensure that their equipment is

working properly and that needed software is available and updated, as needed.

Supplemental meetings may be associated with the DNP Program and may also be scheduled on pre-

assigned dates. Students should plan to be available the entire day of any dates associated with DNP

courses until advised by DNP faculty that they are not required to attend. Each DNP Project Chair will

determine regular meeting dates during all DNP Project sequences. These meetings will be scheduled in

advance.

Dates and times for mandatory synchronous meetings will be posted in the syllabus for each course at the

start of the semester. Permission to be absent from a mandatory synchronous meeting will be granted on

a case by case basis only for extenuating circumstances, subject to the discretion of the course instructor.

Requests for permission to be absent from a mandatory synchronous meeting must be made in writing via

Canvas email to the course instructor as far in advance as possible. If the request to be absent is for

religious observance, the request must be made in writing via email to the course instructor by the end of

the first week of the semester.

Students are expressly prohibited from sharing synchronous meeting access links, passwords, log-in

information, and/or recordings with anyone who is not enrolled in the course.

Students will be instructed in the use of synchronous meeting technology during orientation and/or the

first on-campus session of the DNP Program.

Course Materials and Audio/Video Recordings:

All course materials, including but not limited to handouts, slide presentations, photographs, recorded

lectures and/or workshops, audio and video materials, discussion boards, and literature are intended solely

to facilitate discussion and learning in accordance with the mission and objectives of the DNP Program.

Any use, reproduction, or dissemination of these materials for a purpose unrelated to Course and/or

Program Objectives will be regarded as copyright infringement.

Students should be aware that discussions, lectures, presentations, and/or participation in distance learning

activities, e.g., during Adobe Connect Webinars, may be audio and/or video recorded.

Attendance Verification and Distance Learning Participation:

All faculty members are required to confirm a student's attendance for each course by the end of the first

week of classes. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid. The

confirmation of attendance is required for all students, not only those receiving financial aid.



27

Students are expected to regularly participate online, and faculty will monitor student participation in each

course. Students who have not logged on and/or participated in distance learning activities for two (2)

weeks will be at risk for not successfully completing the course.

Tips for Success in Distance Learning Courses:

It is critical that you have a reliable Internet connection:

You must have access to a high speed internet connection throughout the DNP Program. You will be

using the Canvas learning management system extensively to download class materials, submit your

work, and review and comment on the work of others.

Firewalls may interfere with the Canvas interface. Pop up blockers may need to be disabled to access

Internet resources and activities. If you are encountering this type of problem, check the status of your

popup blocker and disable if it is active.

Always save your work in multiple places:

Do not rely on your hard drive, flash drive, or your email account as the only space to save your work.

Be sure to back up all of your documents in multiple places.

Technology is not a legitimate excuse for late work:

It is important to plan your time carefully. You are expected to pace yourself to access weekly content,

participate in weekly discussions/activities, prepare work, and submit required assignments by the

established due dates as set forth in course syllabi. You should avoid submitting required assignments

just prior to the deadline in the event that you experience technical difficulty. You will have access to

assignments and materials prior to their due dates. It is suggested that you do download information

from Canvas for each course and save it elsewhere for easy access.

Failure to complete an assigned task because you did not timely obtain the assignment from Canvas

will not be accepted as a legitimate reason for submitting an assignment late. You should formulate

a backup plan in the event that your primary technology system misbehaves or becomes inoperable,

i.e., campus labs, public libraries, or relatives/friends.

DEFERRAL POLICY

A student admitted to the DNP Program may apply for deferral of admission for one year. The student’s

request for deferral of admission will be considered on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed.

Deferral must be applied for prior to the August 1st. Applicants not granted deferral may reapply for the

following year’s class. Approved 12/2009

DISCIPLINARY AND REMEDIATION ACTIONS

Student infractions related to policies and procedures of the DNP Program, School, College, University,

affiliate facility, and clinical site, and infractions related to federal and state statutes, rules and

regulations may result in disciplinary actions including dismissal from the DNP Program.



28

Students should first inform their faculty advisor of any difficulties they are experiencing that may

impact their success in the DNP Program. Student counseling is provided for both didactic and clinical

portions of the program of study as needed.

Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal

Academic warning and probation are governed by the rules of the University and Program. See also

ACADEMIC PROGRESSIONS STANDARDS above.

In order to progress in the program, the DNP student must: 1. Achieve grade of “B” better in all clinical didactic related courses; and

2. Achieve a satisfactory “S” in all practice courses; and

3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Because of the successive nature of the curriculum, any grade less than “B” or an unsatisfactory “U” in a

DNP clinical or practice related course is grounds for non-progression and therefore the student will be

placed on probation or dismissed from the Program.

EMAIL POLICY

E-mail is an important communication tool used in the School of Nursing. Upon Admission to FGCU,

all students are assigned an e-mail address that is accessible from any computer via the web page located

at FGCU Webmail.

The FGCU assigned eagle e-mail address is the only address used by School of Nursing faculty to

communicate with students via e-mail. Students are responsible and accountable for information sent

via this e-mail address and should frequently check e-mails. Faculty in the School of Nursing may use

email to communicate information, announcements, and memoranda. Course information such as

assignments, handouts, and schedule changes may also be communicated through the email function in

the learning management system (Canvas).

Students should communicate any problems with e-mail to faculty and/or Student Services Department

of Student Information Systems and Technology. The ability to receive and read e-mail, open

attachments, and access online information is vital to success in the FGCU School of Nursing DNP

Program.

Students should be aware that e-mails and voice mails in the FGCU system are public record.

Correspondence intended to be confidential should be made in person, by mail or other

confidential method.

FACULTY EVALUATION OF STUDENTS

Written evaluations of the student’s classroom and clinical performances are completed by faculty, and

the feedback is used for validation of the student’s strengths and strategies for improvement.

All didactic and clinical faculty members complete formative and summative evaluation for each

student’s classroom and clinical performance. Faculty members who teach a didactic course provide a

http://www.fgcu.edu/quicklinks.asp



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letter grade for each student at the end of the course, based on the grading methodology written in the

course syllabus.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grading methodology is described in the course syllabi and applied consistently. Plus and minus grades

are not awarded in the School of Nursing.

Numerical Grade Range Letter Grade

92 – 100 A

82 - 91 B

72 - 81 *C

62 – 71 **D

< 62 **F

* A GRADE OF “C” results in probation; ** A Grade of “D” or “F” results in program dismissal

Practice courses are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. The Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior

Policy and Procedure delineated expectations for professional behaviors and attitudes and is included in

assessment of student performance in all coursework and clinical experiences.

Students are responsible for requesting, in writing, an incomplete (I) two weeks prior to the end of

the semester in which the course is taken. Request must be submitted to the course faculty, who

acts on the request within 72 hours not including weekends. The maximum amount of time to

complete coursework to remove a grade of I is one year from the end date of the semester for

which the grade was assigned or graduation, whichever comes first. However, an instructor may

restrict the amount of time given to the student to complete the coursework. Failure to complete the

coursework within the specified period of time will result in a grade of “F”or “U”. A student requesting

an incomplete must be passing the course at the time of the request.

The grading scale for NGR 7974 DNP Project S/U/Z. If a student does not make adequate progress in

the sequence deliverables for NGR 7974 according to the established curriculum, the student receives a

“Z” grade and must re-register for the applicable sequence the subsequent semester. “I” grades in the

DNP Project sequences are only issued when the student has reached most of the requirements of the

course, and are only issued at the discretion of the project chair. DNP Project courses must be completed

in sequence, with a passing grade in each sequence to receive a passing grade in a subsequent NGR

7974 DNP Project course. A student must be progressing in NGR 7974 DNP Project satisfactorily to

register for NGR 7949L DNP Clinical Practice in the subsequent semester.

Note: Please refer to the DNP Project Handbook for the DNP Project grading system.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must submit an Application to Graduate in the term of their expected graduation by the

deadline noted in the academic calendar. All incomplete grades must be cleared prior to the application

deadline. The School of Nursing and FGCU require completion of all required coursework in a major.

The BSN to DNP major requires 81 credit hours and a minimum of 1000 precepted practice hours.



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The following are minimum requirements for the DNP degree:

o Apply for graduation by the semester deadline indicated in the University calendar.

o Earn a minimum of eighty-one (81) credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

o Earn more than 50% of the credit hours toward the degree through FGCU.

GRIEVANCES/PROGRAM COMPLAINTS

Complaints, grievances and appeals are resolved in a timely and equitable manner affording due process.

DNP Program complaints are those complaints that, in the opinion of the student(s), negatively affect

the general learning environment of the DNP Program. Students are encouraged to utilize the DNP

Program’s evaluation tools to provide feedback on the clinical sites, courses, and faculty. In the event of

a DNP student academic grievance or non-academic grievance, the student will contact the faculty

course instructor to discuss the issue. If the grievance issue is not resolved, the student will address the

grievance with the DNP Program Director. If the grievance is not resolved at the DNP Program Director

level, the student will address the grievance issue with the School of Nursing Director. When the

grievance is not resolved at the School of Nursing Director level, the student will address the grievance

issue with the Dean of Marieb College of Health and Human Services or his/her designee.

CHEMICAL IMPAIRMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE

School of Nursing (SON) students are required to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to

patients. SON students must also adhere to FGCU’s Drug Free Environment policy and the Student

Code of Conduct Standards related to Health, Welfare, and Safety at all times. Students are prohibited

from reporting to class or any University activity while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Any student illegally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, or using controlled substances

or possessing or consuming alcohol on the University premises or as part of any of its off campus

activities is subject to disciplinary action for misconduct. This policy does not prohibit the legal

possession or dispensing of patient medications in accordance with the student’s clinical assignment or

the legal possession and consumption of alcohol in accordance with local and state law and FGCU

regulations at approved non-clinical functions.

Any student who is unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of

use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or chemicals or any other type of material or who violates the Drug Free

Environment policy and/or the Student Code of Conduct Standards related to Health, Welfare, and

Safety will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including the following:

• Dismissal from the School of Nursing,

• Report to the FGCU Dean of Students or designee for disciplinary action,

• Report to governmental agencies and/or licensing boards

• Report to clinical agencies/partners

• Referral to the Florida Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN)

• Notification of appropriate authorities

A. Substance abuse education is included in the curriculum.

https://www.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/policies/approved/policy3.044.pdf

https://www2.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/files/regulations/FGCU_4002_StudentCode_04112017.pdf

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B. Drug and Alcohol Screen: Students who are admitted to a SON program are required to inform the

school of any history of substance abuse (SA), chemical dependence (CD), evaluation for SA/CD, or active

participation in a peer assistance, chemical impairment, or SA/CD treatment program prior to matriculation

and during enrollment in a SON program. Drug and alcohol screening is required on admission,

annually, for reasonable suspicion, randomly, and as required by clinical agencies. Drug screening

includes a 10 panel drug and alcohol test. Drug and alcohol screening is managed through the School of

Nursing’s approved background screening, drug testing, and compliance management provider, such as

CastleBranch, and students are responsible for all costs. A student with a positive drug screen without a

satisfactory explanation is presumed to be in violation of the Chemical Impairment policy. The “legal”

use of a drug for recreational purposes, such as cannabis, is not a satisfactory explanation.

Admission:

Students admitted to a SON program are required to complete drug and alcohol screening sixty

(60) days prior to matriculation. Students will not be permitted to register for classes and enroll

in a SON program until this requirement is met.

Annual:

Students must complete a drug and alcohol screen annually for each year that the student is

enrolled in a SON program as follows:

Fall admission: August 1

Spring admission: December 15

Random:

Students must agree to undergo immediate drug and alcohol testing as selected through the use

of a random sample of FGCU SON students at regularly scheduled intervals as determined by

the School of Nursing’s approved background screening, drug testing, and compliance

management provider, such as CastleBranch.

As Required by Clinical Agencies:

Students must agree to undergo additional drug and alcohol testing as required by FGCU

clinical partners as a condition of initial or continuing participation in clinical practice

experiences.

Reasonable Suspicion:

Students must agree to undergo immediate drug and alcohol testing and/or a physical

examination on demand for reasonable suspicion of chemical impairment. It is the responsibility

of every faculty member, clinical instructor, and nursing student to immediately report unsafe

behaviors, working conditions or hazardous activities related to possible chemical impairment

that may jeopardize the safety of the individual student, the patient, or colleagues. Faculty

members are also responsible for recognizing the signs and symptoms of chemical impairment

on academic and clinical performance.

C. Signs of Chemical Impairment: There are numerous signs of chemical impairment related to

clinical performance and attendance. While single incidences of these behaviors may not be significant,

the presence of several, and an increasing frequency or a consistent pattern of these behaviors may form

the basis for reasonable suspicion of chemical impairment. Signs commonly associated with impairment



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include a change in the pattern of attendance, behavior or performance; physical signs of impairment or

withdrawal, and unusual/abnormal use of controlled substances. For Example:

Attendance

• Excessive sick calls

• Repeated absences with a pattern

• Tardiness

• Suspiciousness

• Frequent accidents on the job

• Frequent physical complaints

• Peculiar/improbable excuses for absences

• Frequent absence from clinical area

• Frequent trips to rest room/locker room

• Long coffee or lunch breaks

• Early arrival or late departure

• Presence in clinical during scheduled time off Confusion about work

schedule

• Request for assignments at less supervised setting

Behavior • Sloppy/inappropriate clothing

• Poor hygiene

• Mood swings

• Frequent irritably with others

• Excessive talkativeness

• Poor recall

• Physical abuse

• Rigidity/inability to change plans

• Incoherent or irrelevant statements

• Drowsiness at work

• Uncooperativeness with staff

• Tendency towards isolation

• Deteriorating relationships Verbalizing/writing/posing/texting about

drug use

Performance • Excessive time required for record keeping Assignments require more

effort /time

• Difficulty recalling/understanding instructions Difficulty in assigning

priorities

• Display of disinterest in work

• Absentminded/forgetful

• Alternate periods of high and low activity

• Increasing inability to meet schedules

• Missed deadlines

• Frequent requests for assistance

• Carelessness

• Overreaction to criticism

• Illogical or sloppy charting

• Deteriorating handwriting



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• Poor judgment

• Inattentive

• Disorganized

• Tendency to blame others

• Patient complaints regarding poor care

Physical

Signs

• Hand tremors

• Excessive sweating

• Marked nervousness

• Coming to clinical, simulation, or laboratory areas intoxicated/impaired

• Blackouts

• Frequent hangovers

• Odor of alcohol

• GI upset

• Slurred speech

• Increased anxiety

• Unsteady gait

• Excessive use of breath mints/mouthwash

• Sniffling, sneezing

• Clumsiness

• Flushed face

• Watery eyes

• Anorexia

Unusual/

Abnormal

Use of

Controlled

Substances

• Signs out more controlled substances than other providers

• Frequently breaks or spills drugs

• Waits to be alone before obtaining controlled substances for assigned

cases

• Discrepancies between patient’s charts and narcotic records

• Patient complaining of pain out of proportion to medication charted

• Frequent medication errors

• Defensive when questioned about medication errors

• Frequent disappearance immediately after signing out narcotics

• Unwitnessed or excessive waste of controlled drugs

• Tampering with drug vials or containers

• Use of infrequently used drugs

D. Documentation of Reasonable Suspicion: When chemical impairment is suspected, nursing

students and faculty are responsible for reporting their concerns and observations to the Director of the

School of Nursing, and in the case of graduate students, to the Director/Program Director of the

student’s program or their designees. The Director(s) will explore the situation to substantiate

observations and concerns about the student.

1. Documentation will be written, clear, concise, and include dates times, locations, and names

of witnesses.



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2. All pertinent records will be reviewed, including but not limited to patient records, narcotic

inventory/usage, attendance records, record of grades, and clinical evaluations. Trends,

violations or errors will be documented.

3. The Director(s) will determine the action to be taken, if any. This includes, but is not limited

to:

• Report to the FGCU Dean of Students or designee for disciplinary action

• Report to governmental agencies and/or licensing boards

• Report to clinical agencies/partners

• Referral to the Florida Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN)

• Notification of appropriate authorities

4. Confidentiality of reportees will be maintained to the extent permitted by law, rules,

regulations, and/or policies.

E. Inspection of Nursing Students and Their Property: The School of Nursing has a compelling

interest to protect patients from nursing students who are unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill

and safety to patients by reason of use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of

material. When there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a search will reveal evidence that a nursing

student is violating the law or any rules or policies against chemical impairment, inspection of nursing

students and their property may be conducted by authorized personnel, including but not limited to

hospital and school administration, faculty members, or school/medical security/police officers without

notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. Such inspection of nursing students and

their property will not be excessively intrusive and will be reasonably related in scope to the

circumstances giving rise to the search.

Reasonable searches of nursing students and their property include, but are not limited to, lockers,

mailboxes, lunch boxes, book bags, other items on school or medical center property, and private

vehicles if parked on school or medical center property. Whenever possible, searches of personal

property will take place in the presence of the nursing student.

Physical evidence such as used syringes, medication vials, or alcohol containers found during a search

of a nursing student and/or their property will be retained by the police or by SON personnel as

supporting evidence.

A nursing student who refuses to submit to an immediate search or to display of property shall be

considered insubordinate and subject to immediate dismissal.

F. Dismissal from SON Program: The following reasons are cause for dismissal:

1. Failure to provide a written consent for a drug and alcohol screen.

2. Failure to provide a blood, urine, or other sample for a drug and alcohol screen or to submit

to a physical examination as directed and within the required timeframe.

3. Refusal to submit to an immediate search or to display of property upon request.

3. Arrest, charge, or other notice of a criminal offense related to chemical impairment.

4. Any disciplinary action related to chemical impairment.

5. Positive drug screen without a satisfactory explanation. The “legal” use of a drug for

recreational purposes, such as cannabis, is not a satisfactory explanation.



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6. Failure to inform the school of a history of substance abuse (SA), chemical dependence (CD),

evaluation for SA/CD, or active participation in a peer assistance, chemical impairment, or

SA/CD treatment program.

7. Inability to meet the SON Core Performance Standards due to chemical impairment.

G. Review of Decision to Dismiss: Any action taken against a student for violation of this policy may

be appealed according to the School of Nursing Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior Policy and Procedure.

CRIMNAL OFFENSES AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Approved Faculty Organization November 17, 2017

Students who are admitted to a School of Nursing (SON) program are required to undergo Level 2

FBI/Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) fingerprinting and Extended Criminal Background

Check and drug screening prior to matriculation, annually, and as otherwise required throughout enrollment

in a SON program. If the findings of the Criminal Background Check are incompatible with clinical practice

site requirements or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Florida, or if the results of a

drug screen are positive without a satisfactory explanation, the student will be dismissed from the program.

The “legal” use of a drug for recreational purposes, such as cannabis, is not a satisfactory explanation.

A nursing student who is arrested, charged with, or otherwise receives notice of a criminal offense or

violation of any rule or regulation that may result in disciplinary action, on or off-duty, must promptly

(within 24 hours) inform the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Practitioner Program Director, the

School of Nursing Director, and the Office of Student Conduct of the arrest and the nature of the charges

and/or violation, as applicable. Failure to notify the DNP Nurse Practitioner Program Director and the

School of Nursing Director of an arrest, charge, or violation is grounds for dismissal from the School of

Nursing, regardless of whether the arrest or charges lead to conviction or the violation results in disciplinary

action.

Students arrested or charged for a criminal offense or facing disciplinary action will be immediately

suspended from the School of Nursing pending resolution of the matter. Any nursing student who is

arrested, charged with, or otherwise receives notice of a criminal offense or violation of any rule or

regulation that may result in disciplinary action, on or off-duty, is expressly prohibited from attending

clinical practice at any clinical site and all nursing classes until the matter is resolved and the DNP Nurse

Practitioner Program Director and/or the School of Nursing Director give the student written permission to

do so. The School of Nursing will impose a registration Hold while the student is on a suspension, which

restricts the student from registering for classes.

A nursing student charged with a drug offense or DUI is also subject to reporting and disciplinary action

under the SON Chemical Impairment Policy, the FGCU Student Code of Conduct, and applicable laws and

regulations governing the practice of nursing.

Upon conclusion of the legal and/or disciplinary proceedings, the DNP Nurse Practitioner Program Director

and School of Nursing Director will determine whether the student will be allowed to continue in the School

of Nursing. If a student is not cleared to return from suspension after two (2) consecutive semesters, the

student will be dismissed from the DNP Nurse Practitioner Program. Re-enrollment is not guaranteed, and

the student may be dismissed from the School of Nursing regardless of the outcome of the legal proceedings

and/or disciplinary action.

A student who is allowed to return from suspension must meet with the DNP Nurse Practitioner Program

Director to request removal of the registration Hold and may be required to test for competence in previously

taken courses and complete work as necessary. Permission to return to the School of Nursing following an

https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/nursing/files/SON_Core_Performance_Standards__8-25-2017-ada.pdf

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36

arrest, conviction, or disciplinary action does not guarantee that a student will be permitted to return to

clinical sites, successfully complete the DNP Nurse Practitioner Program, or meet the requirements for

licensure, certification, and/or employment in the nursing profession or specialty upon graduation.

INFORMATION SHARING POLICY

Information about students is normally considered to be confidential. However, since students in the

DNP NP Program are involved in direct patient care there are exceptions. E-mail addresses, physical

addresses, phone numbers and other personal contact information must be shared with the clinical sites

so that provisions for patient care can be made. Additionally, student information which could impact

on patient care, including but not limited to, academic performance and personal health information will

be shared with clinical faculty on a need to know basis.

Violations of the Nurse Practice Act will be reported to the Florida State Board of Nursing. Approved 7/2010.

SCHOOL OF NURSING LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE Approved by Faculty Organization November 17, 2017

A student may apply for a leave of absence (LOA) from A School of Nursing Program due to illness,

family emergency, or other extenuating circumstances. A LOA may be granted for a maximum length of

two (2) consecutive semesters, and students may not seek more than two (2) semesters of LOA during

their enrollment in the School of Nursing. Fall, spring, and summer are all semesters in the School of

Nursing. Withdrawal from courses during a semester for academic reasons or suspension does not

constitute a LOA.

A student seeking a LOA must meet with the DNP Program Director to determine a plan to ensure

knowledge and competencies are at the expected level upon return to the DNP Program. A LOA form

(Appendix B) must be completed and signed by the DNP Program Director and the student’s Faculty

Advisor. Once signed, the LOA form must be submitted to the School of Nursing Director for approval.

The student will be notified by the School of Nursing Director if the LOA request has been approved.

The School of Nursing will impose a registration Hold while the student is on a LOA, which restricts the

student from registering for classes. A student returning from an approved LOA must meet with the

DNP Program Director in order to remove the Hold and register for classes. A student returning from an

approved LOA may be required to test for competence in previously taken courses and complete work

as necessary. If a student does not return after two (2) consecutive semesters, the student will be

dismissed from the DNP Program.

TYPHON

The Graduate Nursing Programs utilize the Typhon Group Student Tracking System. This tracking system

has been designed for students enrolled in advanced practice programs nationwide and is a complete

electronic student tracking system, with specific areas for:

• Clinical Experience Logging and Tracking

• Electronic Student Portfolios

• External Document Management



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• Clinical Experience Reporting

• Custom Evaluations & Surveys (EASI)

• Student Biographic Database

• Clinical Site Database

• Student Scheduling.

DNP NP Program students are required to fully use the Typhon system throughout the DNP

Program and are responsible for maintaining current, complete, and accurate information

such as demographics, immunizations, American Heart Association BLS, FL RN licensure, clinical logs,

practice evaluations, and documentation. DNP NP students are responsible for learning how to correctly

use the Typhon system.

DNP NP STUDENT WORKLOAD POLICY

The curriculum of the DNP NP Program is rigorous and challenging and requires you to be focused and

dedicated to your studies. When making decisions about employment, students are to carefully consider

workload expectations of credit hours registered for at FGCU. For example, a 4-credit hour course

requires 4 hours of classroom plus an additional 12-16 hours of study time each week. Online classes are

equivalent to face-to-face classes and will require a similar time commitment. Therefore, students are

expected to make realistic employment decisions, as hours worked outside of the Program are not

an excuse for failing to meet academic and practice performance standards, class schedules,

testing, simulation, laboratories, and clinical practice. Students are not to request early dismissal

from a classroom or clinical practice for employment obligations.

Students shall not work after 8:00 pm if they are scheduled for clinical practice experience or class the

next day. Violation of this rule is grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal from the BSN

DNP NP Program.

III. Clinical Practice and Laboratory Policies and Guidelines

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION BLS

Students are to maintain current BLS certification throughout their entire program. A student

who does not have current BLS certification will not be allowed to enroll and/or maintain enrollment in

nursing courses.

Students must obtain BLS certification from the American Heart Association. The School will not

accept any other certification. It is the student responsibility to make arrangements to complete any

necessary courses and or renewal courses. The School of Nursing does not offer the certification

classes. Supporting evidence of current certifications must be submitted by the student directly into the

Typhon.



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BACKGROUND CHECKS

In order to meet requirements of various clinical agencies where DNP students have practice

experiences, students are required to have background checks. A DNP student with background check

results that prevent placement at clinical sites may not be able to continue in the program. FGCU School

of Nursing requires both of the following:

Level 2 Background Check: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Florida Department of

Law Enforcement (FDLE). This is a Background Check facilitated through Castle Branch that

involves fingerprinting. Students must have fingerprinting on admission, then annually and as otherwise

notified by the program or clinical agencies. Students must have fingerprinting completed at least six

weeks prior to the first day of classes and follow the instructions provided by the DNP Program.

You will be required to sign a waiver prior to scheduling a background check. The background

screening includes drug test, criminal search, finger printing. Students admitted in a Fall semester will

have an annual Level 2 Criminal Background check completed by the end of the second week of the Fall

semester each year in the Program.

If the findings are incompatible with clinical practice site requirements or eligibility for licensure as a

nurse practitioner in the state of Florida, the student will be dismissed from the DNP program.

If the findings do not impact clinical practice site requirements or eligibility for licensure

as a nurse practitioner in the state of Florida, the student will sign a waiver allowing the Director

of the School of Nursing to send a notification to any requesting clinical practice

facility. A copy of such notification will also be placed in the student’s file.

CELL PHONE POLICY

The use of cellular phones, text messaging and internet devices, including devices for videotaping,

photography, audio taping or any other multimedia device is prohibited in practice and in the classroom

except for use related to the point-of-care or as part of an assignment in the classroom. Students in

violation of this policy may be placed on probation.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Approved by Faculty Organization 1/27/2014

INTRODUCTION Nurses have a responsibility to understand the benefits and consequences of

participating in social media. Students must consider important concepts and a number of principles

when functioning within the virtual world of social media in order to maintain their own reputation, the

reputation of the School of Nursing, and that of nursing as the most trusted profession. This policy

encompasses personal and professional social media use.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS To understand the appropriate use of social media, it is important to

understand confidentiality and privacy in the context of nursing education.

• Privacy

The patient sharing personal and health information with the expectation that they are treated

with dignity and respect and the information will remain confidential.



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• Confidentiality

Safeguarding patient information.

• Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any and all information covered by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

(HIPAA) such as a patient’s health status, provision of health care, payment for health care

and medical record that can be linked back to a specific individual.

• Confidential personal or nonpublic proprietary information

Information about other students, families, FGCU faculty, staff, alumni, and clinical

institutions and employees such as any non-public personal and financial information,

pictures without consent, computer codes/passwords.

TYPES OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media is defined as web-based and mobile technology used for

interactive communication. Regardless of the type of social media, students are responsible for content

they post and promote. Examples of social media may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Blogs – Blogger, LiveJournal, Xanga

• Microblogs – Dailybooth, Foursquare, Google Buzz, Posterous, Tumblr, Twitter

• Podcasts – Blubrry

• Social networks – Allnurses.com, Bebo, Facebook, Google+, Linkedln, MySpace, Orkut, Second

Life

• Social news sharing – Digg, Flickr, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat

• Social bookmarks/social tags – Delicious, Diigo, Google Reader, StumbleUpon

• Video hosts – Vimeo, YouTube

POLICY STATEMENT The School of Nursing recognizes that social networking provides

opportunities such as communication about the nursing profession, discussion of nursing and health

related information, and the dissemination of research and evidence-based practice. However, privacy is

a fundamental ethical and legal obligation for all nurses; therefore, the School of Nursing embraces the

American Nurses’ Association Principles for Social Networking (ANA, 2011) as guiding principles:

1. Nurses must not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information.

2. Nurses must observe ethically prescribed professional patient-nurse boundaries.

3. Nurses should understand that patients, colleagues, institutions, and employers may view

postings.

4. Nurses should take advantage of privacy settings and seek to separate personal and

professional information online.

5. Nurses should bring content that could harm patient’s privacy, rights, or welfare to the

attention of appropriate authorities.

6. Nurses should participate in developing institutional policies governing online conduct.

Students should represent Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and the School of Nursing in a fair,

accurate, ethical, and legal manner while engaging in all internet activities. Official School of Nursing

electronic communication regarding School business, academic schedules, academic classes will occur

through School-sanctioned channels such as FGCU email, Canvas, listservs, and FGCU websites.



40

When interacting on social media, students must be cognizant that information may be public for anyone

to see and can be traced back to you as the individual. Students are prohibited from disclosing

through social media information such as (but not limited to) the following:

• Patient protected health information as defined by HIPAA, including identifiable information

concerning patients, clients, and clinical rotations and locations.

• Clinical discussions for the purpose of education that include any identifiable information related

to patients or clinical institutions and employees.

• Location of clinical sites

• Confidential or non-public proprietary information including photos or videos of patients, patient

families, students, faculty, staff, and clinical institutions and employees.

• Comments that are damaging to FGCU, other students, faculty, staff, and clinical institutions and

employees.

• Comments that are threatening, harassing, profane, obscene, sexually explicit, racially derogatory,

homophobic or other offensive comments.

• Postings that are in violation of any state or federal laws.

Nursing faculty and students have an obligation to immediately report any violations of privacy and

confidentiality.

CONSEQUENCES Improper use of social media may violate state and federal laws established to

protect patient privacy and confidentiality and can result in both civil and criminal penalties.

Inadvertently or unintentially breaching privacy and confidentiality may result in disciplinary action

including:

• Failure in a course

• Report/Notification to the Dean of Student Affairs

• Student Conduct Hearing

• Dismissal from the clinical site

• Dismissal from the nursing program

• Being reported to the Florida Board of Nursing

Students are legally responsible for any and all communications on social media websites. If you make a

mistake, admit it immediately. Faculty and staff can assist you in finding a solution, potentially avoiding

any harmful implications.

References/Resources

American Nurses Association. (2011). Principles for social networking and the nurse. Retrieved from:

http://ana.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/NursingStandards/

ANAPrinciples.aspx

Cronquist, R., & Spector, N. (2011). Nurses and social media: Regulatory concerns and guidelines.

Journal for Nursing Regulation, 2(3), 37-40.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011). A nurse’s guide to the use of social media.

Chicago: Author.

National Student Nurses’ Association. (n.d.). Recommendations for: Social media usage and

maintaining privacy, confidentiality, and professionalism. Retrieved from

http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/NSNA_Social_Media_Recommendations.pdf

Skiba, D.J. (2011). Nursing education 2.0: The need for social media policies for schools of nursing.

Nursing Education Perspectives, 32(2), 126-127.



41

CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION

Students are required to keep accurate logs of your time with your preceptors, mentors, and your patients.

Your course faculty will advise you of this in depth when you begin your practice courses, and will

provide you with information to electronically log in your clinical encounters and other information in the

Typhon electronic tracking system. Your hours must add up to the minimum required minus lunch breaks.

You will need to keep a running record of hours so that the course faculty and the Program Director can

easily verify that you do, indeed, have the required hours for your course work. The preceptor will be

asked to verify hours in Typhon.

Students are responsible for documenting their clinical encounters on a weekly basis. Faculty check their

logs to ensure students are entering patient data in a timely manner.

A summary report of your logs, at time of graduation, will be permanently maintained in your file and

kept at the School of Nursing. Accreditors and state board examiners may request to see such

documents to determine if we, in fact, are doing what we say we are in our program. Please keep copies

of all logs, papers, etc. throughout your program of study for your own files.

The number of clinical hours required for completion of the program is contingent on satisfactory

achievement of the required competencies for each clinical course. Additional hours may be needed to

achieve a satisfactory level of competency. In addition, the number of total hours required may

increase subject to national guideline requirements for accreditation and/or national certification. If this

occurs, you will have to add hours to your program of study. Approved 9/2007; Reviewed: 07/2010; 08/2011.

CLINICAL INCIDENTS

Students must report any patient incidents or student injuries immediately as per clinical agency and or

FGCU policies. Students must also report any patient incidents or student injuries to the course faculty

and the Program Director within one business day.

CLINICAL SITE ROTATIONS

Clinical site rotations are made by, and are based on student learning needs and opportunities for clinical

experiences.

1. Students must complete practice course requirements in a setting other than their place of

employment.

2. The practice preceptor must be someone other than the student's immediate agency supervisor.

3. Students are required to complete all practice requirements to successfully complete the practice

courses (See individual course syllabi for specific requirements).

Commonly Used Nurse Practitioner Practice Sites:

Practice sites used for nurse practitioner students can be as varied as you can imagine. They also vary

based upon the population focus of the individual student’s course of study (i.e. pediatrics vs. women’s).

Practice sites may include health department clinics, migrant worker clinics, health district hospital



42

clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private physician offices, community health centers,

hospital EDs, student health clinics, family planning clinics, private outpatient surgical centers, etc.

Every student does not need the same experiences as every other student. You will have the opportunity

to share the differences of your experiences with one another in class.

The agencies and institutions for advanced practice nursing experiences in the graduate program are

selected according to the following criteria:

• The health care philosophy and objectives of the agency or institution are compatible with those

of the School of Nursing and learning needs of the students.

• The census and type of clients and advanced nursing situations are adequate to fulfill course

objectives and advanced nursing practice expectations.

• The educational preparation and experience of the preceptors meets required criteria for the

specific experience.

• The location of the agency/institution is accessible.

• The types of services actually provided by the agency are consistent with the advanced nursing

practice objectives and competencies.

• Use of the agency by other nursing programs/disciplines does not create a conflict in obtaining

learning opportunities for FGCU graduate nursing students.

Selecting Practice Preceptors and Sites:

Students are encouraged to begin to consider with whom you wish to precept very early in your

program, and begin making the arrangements for the experience. Approval of a preceptor and site for

your practice experiences must come in consultation with your course faculty and/or the Program

Director. Students may not use the same clinical area or unit in which they are employed.

Qualified Preceptors:

In choosing a preceptor, please ascertain that the person is board/nationally certified in the area of

practice; must have practiced for two or more years, and ideally, have taught or precepted graduate nurse

practitioner students, medical or physician assistant students. Select early and according to the course

and practice objectives for that semester. Students may use a preceptor only once during their program

of study. The preceptor and site must be reviewed and approved by the faculty. Ideally, nurse

practitioner students will precept with masters prepared, nationally certified nurse practitioners with two

or more years of advanced practice nursing experience. Physicians and master-prepared physician

assistants may, in some select cases, be used if approved by faculty or the DNP NP Program Director.

The majority of advanced practice nursing experiences should be with nurse practitioners and/or

physicians.

When you approach the potential preceptor, please explain that you will need to have the opportunity to

obtain complete and episodic histories, perform physical examinations, present patients to the preceptor,

discuss options for diagnostic tests, and suggest management strategies. You need to be involved in the

decision-making process to some degree, and have opportunities for in-depth discussions about patients

with preceptor in order to gain insights into appropriate management. In addition, opportunities for

patient follow-up, documentation, and understanding certain financial influences of the practice site,

etc., are important. In other words, if all you can do is follow the preceptor around without ever



43

having the opportunity to provide the assessment and management with consultation and teaching

from this person, then it will not be a productive learning environment.

Preceptors receive a Preceptor Guidebook when they agree to precept students that explains their role

with students as well as other important information.

Your preceptor should provide input and feedback to the faculty. However, it is your School of

Nursing faculty who determines your final course grade. Please keep in close contact with your

course faculty for every advanced practice nursing course.

Arrangements for preceptorship are completed by the student and preceptor, and approved by the

faculty, prior to the start of the semester. The student is responsible for obtaining a current CV and

proof of licensure/certifications if this is the first time the site/preceptor is utilized.

Scheduling Advanced Nursing Practice Experience During School Breaks:

During the breaks and the periods between semesters, students may not have clinical experiences except

for students who have prior approval from faculty for extenuating circumstances.

FLORIDA RN LICENSE & CURRENT REGISTRATION

Students must maintain current, unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida to be

eligible for clinical instruction at any clinical location. Proof of current Florida RN licensure must be

submitted into Typhon and kept in the NA Student Credentialing Portfolio.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Students are strongly encouraged to carry their own major health insurance for the entire time they are in

the DNP Program. Students are encouraged to compare policies and coverage before entering the

Program. The University student health clinic provides free, or low-cost, non-urgent care for all

registered students and also offers cost-effective major medical health insurance coverage to registered

students.

Students who are injured at a clinical affiliate site are examined/treated per the policies/procedures for

that facility. Students must report any injuries to the Clinical Coordinator and the Program Director

within one business day. If treated at the facility, the hospital/clinic bills the student’s insurance carrier,

or charges the student, for all care given. THE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL, AND/OR PROGRAM ARE

NOT FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH CARE CHARGES INCURRED BY

STUDENTS.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS POLICY

The School of Nursing adheres to the State University System AIDS policy, which includes:

No student will be required to cease attending the university solely on the basis of a diagnosis of

infection. Such decisions will be made only after reasonable accommodations have been made and an



44

examination of the facts demonstrate that the student can no longer perform as required, or that the

student presents a health risk to himself/herself or the university community. Students are referred to

the State University System AIDS Policy for guidelines on Students of the Health Occupations Doing

Health Care Work (SUS AIDS Policy, 1988, p. 11-14)

Procedure for Management of Post-Exposure to HIV Policy

Procedures Responsible Individual

1. Immediate antiseptic procedures should be

followed after possible exposure.

Student and practice faculty.

2. A student, resident or faculty member has an

ethical duty to report to the faculty member in

charge or designated college official any incident

that exposes him/herself or a patient to a risk of

transmission of a blood borne disease.

Student reports exposure to faculty

immediately after the incident.

3. A School of Nursing incident report must be

completed within 48 hours of knowledge of the

incident. An incident report where incident

occurred must be completed according to agency

policy.

Practice Faculty

4. School of Nursing Post-Exposure Evaluation

and Follow-up will be initiated. Three copies

will be made and distributed to the exposed

student, Program Director and Advising File.

Program Director

5. The Program Director will be notified on the

day of the exposure occurrence.

Practice Faculty

6. Confidential testing and appropriate

counseling should be offered to the individual

following exposure. The care provider is

ethically obligated to be tested for HIV where

the patient is exposed to a provider’s blood.

(Although it is more a matter for the practice

site than the academic School of Nursing, if

such a provider tests positive, the patient

should be notified of the test notwithstanding

the provider’s privacy rights, and the patient

should be offered HIV testing, counseling, and

prophylaxis as appropriate).

The DNP Program Director will refer

students to: Student FGCU Health

Services (Hours 8:00 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri.)

for testing and for counseling. Student

Health Services will provide medical

intervention at low cost and/or for

insurance coverage. Student will be

referred to his/her private physician if

extended care is needed.

CDC guidelines for occupational exposure through needle stick are to be followed.

Seronegativity must be established through immediate blood test. Test may be done by clinical



45

agency, Student Health Services, or physician. Student must present validation of receipt to

School of Nursing at 6 weeks, 3 months, and one year.

A "significant occupational exposure" is defined as:

• A needle stick or cut caused by a needle or sharp that was actually or potentially contaminated

with blood or body fluids.

• A mucous membrane (i.e., splash to the eye or mouth) exposure to blood or body fluids.

• A cutaneous exposure involving large amounts of blood or prolonged contact with blood,

especially when the exposed skin was chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis.

NOTE: These policies and guidelines have been adapted from those developed by the American

Association of Colleges of Nursing, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036. They

reference OSHA regulations and the Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report, 36 (Suppli. #2S), Center for

Disease Control (1987) Atlanta, GA, entitled "Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in

Health Care Settings”. Approved 1/2007; Reviewed 7/2010

IMMUNIZATIONS AND SCREENING TESTS

All students are required to maintain current immunization/screening throughout their entire program.

A student who does not have current immunization/screening requirements met will not be allowed to

enroll and/or maintain enrollment in nursing courses.

Students are required to submit proof of immunization/screening into Typhon. It is the responsibility of

the student to update immunization/screening during the program and to submit relevant updated

documentation into Typhon. The School of Nursing requires the following immunization/screening:

• Positive Varicella (Chicken Pox, Herpes Zoster) titer test

• Current Tdap (within 10 years)

• TB (PPD) screening test on DNP Program admission and annually thereafter. A positive test result

must be followed up with a chest x-ray and annual TB cough assessment form to verify inactive

status.

• Positive Hepatitis B Titer

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a known blood-borne disease with serious implications for health

care workers which kills about 200 workers and infects thousands more each year. Although much more

infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (risk 7 to 30 percent following percutaneous

exposure to a hepatitis surface antigen carrier), it is less often fatal than HIV and HBV is completely

preventable by immunization. Given these circumstances, the School of Nursing adheres to the

following guidelines, when the titer does not prove immunity:

Students are required to present documentation of the initiation of series of HBV immunization on

admission to the graduate program and documentation of completed HBV series no later than six

months after enrollment, or student must sign waivers and assume liability.



46

Hepatitis B vaccines are given in a series of 3 injections. Injection #1 is followed one month later by

injection #2. Injection #3 is given 6 months later. Vaccines are available through private medical

providers, the Lee or Naples County Health Departments, and the University Student Health Services. Approved 1/2003; Reviewed 7/2015.

Students are required to receive the influenza vaccine annually.

• Please note that additional immunizations/screenings may be required by clinical agencies of the

School of Nursing during the academic year.

PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE AND NAME TAGS REQUIREMENT

The School of Nursing has a professional attire requirement for all courses and clinical experiences

undertaken by DNP NP students. Students must present a professional appearance in class and follow

the policies and procedures of the clinical site related to dress codes.

As a professional graduate nursing student representing the FGCU School of Nursing all students should

dress in a professional manner. Jeans, sweat pants and shirts, sandals and casual accessories are not

considered appropriate in the clinical setting. Lab coats should be worn at all clinical sites as

appropriate. Lab coats should be ¾ length, white, and are the student’s responsibility to purchase and

maintain. All clothing should be neat and not wrinkled. Hair should be worn neat and off the collar and

nails should be short while in the clinical setting and during clinical courses.

NAME TAGS & IDENTIFICATION

School of Nursing name tags are to be worn at all times by students who are in school-related nursing

experiences in the role of graduate nursing student. Name tags are available from the FGCU bookstore.

A name tag with your name and title is required. The name tag should read as follows:

Jane Doe, BSN, RN (or otherwise appropriate credentials)

DNP Nurse Practitioner Student

No work information may appear on the pin. Approved 9/2004; Reviewed: 07/2010; 08/2011. Revised 6/2015

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Students will be required to purchase equipment for use in the clinical setting and for practice in

Advanced Health Assessment from an approved vendor. Vendor and ordering information for will be

provided on the DNP portal in Canvas for the following specialized equipment: stethoscope with

pediatric attachment, ophthalmoscope, otoscope, reflex hammer and tuning fork. Students are expected

to have a watch with a second hand, a web-based smart phone and a personal computer.



47

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

DNP students are required to provide evidence of current Student Nurse Practitioner liability insurance

upon admission to the program. If you already have individual RN liability insurance they can make an

amendment to your current policy for an additional fee which will cover you in your scope of practice as

a Nurse Practitioner Student. The minimum coverage required by Florida Stature Section 624.09F.S for

professional liability of at least $100,000 per claim with a minimum annual aggregate of at least $300,000

from an authorized insurer for Nurse Practitioners

The following table provides sampling of insurance providers.

Name Phone Number Address

Nurse Guard 1-800-221-4904

Cotterell, Mitchell & Fifer, Inc.

99 Hudson Street.

New York, NY 10013 www.cmfgroup.com

Marsh Affinity Group

Services/American Nurses

Association

1-800-503-9230 8515 Georgia Avenue

Suite 400

Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 628-5000

(301) 628-5001 (fax)

www.proliability.com

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

Students must meet all clinical practice requirements while in the DNP Program. Students will be

expected to travel to various practice sites during their course practice experiences. Practice sites are

subject to preceptor availability and may be anywhere in the five county (Charlotte, Collier, Lee,

Hendry, Glades) service area or in a county outside this range if necessary (Sarasota, Desoto, etc.).

Students cannot always be assigned within the county in which they live. Students are expected to

provide transportation as necessary to attend practice.

Students are advised to use caution in selecting parking facilities and locations for personal safety reason

and the safety of their vehicle. Students must park at their own risk. The DNP Program is not

responsible for damage or theft of any student’s vehicle.

UNSAFE/UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR POLICY AND PROCEDURE Approved

by Faculty Organization December 18, 2017

Students must meet academic and professional standards of behavior at all times and adhere to clinical

agency policies and procedures when in clinical practice to ensure client safety and well-being. Where

there is Unsafe or Unprofessional Behavior, a student may be removed from clinical practice, clinical

practice courses, and/or didactic courses to maintain client safety and well-being as well as the safety

and well-being of other students, faculty, and agency personnel.

Although students will normally be notified during the semester when they are not meeting

expectations, it should be understood that egregious deviations from the standards of care or other

actions jeopardizing patient safety or unprofessional conduct may result in failure of a course and/or

dismissal from a School of Nursing (SON) Program from a single incident in which no notification can

be reasonably made.

http://www.cmfgroup.com/



48

Examples of Unsafe/Unprofessional Behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inadequate preparation for the clinical assignment

• Careless or negligent behavior when caring for a client

• Providing care without the supervision of a licensed nurse practitioner, physician, or

physician assistant.

• Failure to timely report an omission or error in care

• Falsifying patient or other records

• Breach of client confidentiality

• Breach of professional code of ethics

• Breach of School of Nursing policies related to personal electronic devices and social media

• Breach of School of Nursing Civility Policy

• Breach of Academic Standards

• Failure to adhere to agency policies and procedures

• Absence from clinical practice without appropriate notification to [instructor and/or agency,

or preceptor]

• Chronic tardiness

• Impairment (e.g., drugs and/or alcohol; sleep deprivation; prescribed medications, positive

drug screen)

• Non-adherence with School of Nursing practice attire/professional presentation requirements

• Violation of University Student Academic Behavior Standards and/or Student Code of

Conduct

• Breach of SON and/or SON Program policies and/or guidelines

• Working by title or function as an advanced practice nurse, regardless of whether monetary

compensation is received, while enrolled in the DNP Program.

• Insubordination

Removal from clinical practice (including simulation or laboratory) may be for a single clinical

assignment, the remainder of a course, or all clinical practice courses. The student may receive an

Unsatisfactory (“U”) grade in the clinical practice course(s) (“C” or “L”), a Failing (“F”) grade in any

co-requisite nursing theory course(s), and/or be dismissed from the School of Nursing program when

evidence of Unsafe or Unprofessional Behavior has been determined.

Procedures for Removal and/or Program Dismissal

I. Single Clinical Assignment – When a clinical instructor has determined that a student has

demonstrated Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior during a specific clinical assignment:

(Individual programs may identify the person(s) responsible for each step.)

1. The clinical instructor verbally informs the student of the reason(s) why the student is being

removed from clinical practice and ensures that the student immediately leaves the practice

area.

2. The clinical instructor informs course faculty or program director of the circumstances giving

rise to removal of the student from clinical practice.

3. The course faculty meets with the student within three (3) school days from being removed

from clinical practice to determine whether the student may return to clinical practice.

4. If course faculty and the program director determines that the student may return to clinical

practice, the course faculty meets with the student and provides a written Student



49

Performance Improvement Plan (Improvement Plan), within eight (8) school days of being

removed from clinical practice where practicable, that describes:

a. The incident or unmet standard,

b. How the incident or unmet standard is in conflict with expectations and objectives,

c. The expected outcomes required to achieve success,

d. The time frame for achieving the expected outcomes, and

e. The consequences of not successfully completing the Improvement Plan.

If more time is required for the development of the written Improvement Plan, the student

will be notified within eight (8) school days from being removed from clinical practice.

5. The course faculty monitors the student’s progress toward achieving the expected outcomes

and makes the final determination as to whether the student has successfully completed the

Improvement Plan.

6. Failure to satisfactorily complete the Improvement Plan within the specified timeframe may

result in an Unsatisfactory (“U”) grade in the clinical practice course(s) (“C” or “L”), a

Failing (“F”) grade in any co-requisite nursing theory course(s), and/or dismissal from the

School of Nursing program.

7. The student has right of grade appeal under the Student Grade Appeals procedures of the

University.

8. The student will not be allowed to withdraw (W, WF, WE) from any Program courses when

a removal from clinical practice is in progress, whether or not the University deadline for

course withdrawal without a grade or academic penalty has passed.

II. Removal for the Remainder of a Course- When the course faculty has determined that a

student may need to be removed from the clinical area for the remainder of a clinical course

and co-requisite nursing theory course(s) due to Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior:

(Individual programs may identify the person(s) responsible for each step.)

1. The course faculty notifies the student verbally, and then in writing within five (5) school

days, that he or she may not return to clinical practice, clinical course(s), and co-requisite

nursing theory course(s) while a decision is pending.

2. The course faculty and DNP Program Director review the student behavior, clinical course

objectives and expectations, and rationale for why the student should not be allowed to return

to the clinical practice, clinical course(s), and co-requisite nursing theory course(s).

3. The course faculty and DNP Program] Director meet with the student within ten (10) school

days of being removed from clinical practice, clinical course(s), and co-requisite nursing

theory course(s) to discuss the issues prior to making the determination as to whether the

student should be allowed to return to the clinical setting.

4. If DNP Program Director and the course faculty determines that the student may return to

clinical practice, the course faculty meets with the student and provides a written Student

Performance Improvement Plan (Improvement Plan), within fifteen (15) school days of being

removed from clinical practice where practicable, that describes:

a. The incident or unmet standard,

b. How the incident or unmet standard is in conflict with expectations and objectives,

c. The expected outcomes required to achieve success,

d. The time frame for achieving the expected outcomes, and

e. The consequences of not successfully completing the Improvement Plan.



50

If more time is required for the development of the written Improvement Plan, the student

will be notified within fifteen (15) school days from being removed from clinical practice,

clinical course(s), and co-requisite nursing theory course(s).

5. The course faculty monitors the student’s progress toward achieving the expected outcomes

and makes the final determination as to whether the student has successfully completed the

Improvement Plan.

6. If the student fails to satisfactorily complete the Improvement Plan within the specified

timeframe, the student will not be allowed to return to the clinical setting, and the rationale is

documented. A grade of Unsatisfactory (“U”) will be awarded in the clinical course as well

as a Failure (“F”) in any co-requisite nursing theory course(s).

7. The student has right of grade appeal under the Student Grade Appeals procedures of the

University.

8. The student will not be allowed to withdraw (W, WF, WE) from any School of Nursing

program courses when a removal from clinical course(s) and co-requisite nursing theory

course(s) is in progress, whether or not the University deadline for course withdrawal

without a grade or academic penalty has passed.

III. Removal from all Clinical Courses and Co-requisite Nursing Theory Courses, and/or

Program Dismissal- When it has been identified that a student has failed to satisfactorily

complete an Improvement Plan or engaged in Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior that may

warrant student removal from all clinical courses and co-requisite nursing theory courses

and/or Program dismissal:

1. The DNP Program Director sends a written request for removal or dismissal to the Student

Professional Review Committee and the student along with a clear description of the

circumstances giving rise to the request and supporting documentation.

2. The School of Nursing Student Professional Review Committee reviews the student record

and any associated documentation related to the Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior and

consults with the course faculty and the DNP Program Director. The Student Professional

Review Committee also meets privately with the student to afford the student an opportunity

to explain his or her perceptions related to the Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior. The Student

Professional Review Committee may choose to consult with the course faculty and the DNP

Program] Director during the meeting with the student. This review shall take place within

ten (10) school days of the issue being brought to the Student Professional Practice

Committee. The student must be given written notice of the time and place at least five (5)

days prior to the meeting.

3. The student may have, at his or her own expense and initiative, one Advisor present at the

meeting with the Student Professional Review Committee. The student is responsible for

completing an FGCU Authorization to Release Education Records to a Third Party with the

School of Nursing before the meeting. The Advisor may be present, but he or she will not be

permitted to speak for the Student or otherwise participate directly in the meeting. The

meeting will not be delayed or rescheduled based on the unavailability of an Advisor.

4. The Student Professional Review Committee provides the student a written decision, within

five (5) school days of meeting with the student, as to whether the student will be removed

from all clinical courses and co-requisite nursing courses and/or immediately dismissed from

the SON Program.

5. If the Student Professional Review Committee determines that the student will not be

removed from all current clinical courses and co-requisite nursing theory courses and/or

https://www2.fgcu.edu/Registrar/files/Third_Party_Authorization_7-2016.pdf



51

dismissed from the SON Program, the [identify person(s)] and [identify Program] Director

meet with the student within five (5) school days of the Committee’s written decision to

inform the student of actions and requirements to address the student’s

Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior, if any. At that time, a written Improvement Plan and

procedure may be initiated as described above in this policy under section II, Remainder of a

Course.

6. If the Student Professional Review Committee determines that the student will be removed

from all current clinical courses and co-requisite nursing theory courses and/or dismissed

from the SON Program, the Committee will describe the rationale for making this

determination in the written decision provided to the Student.

7. The student will not be allowed to withdraw (W, WE, WF) from any Program courses when

a removal from all clinical courses and co-requisite nursing theory courses and/or Program

dismissal is in progress, whether or not the University deadline for course withdrawal

without a grade or academic penalty has passed.

8. Within five (5) school days of receipt of the Student Professional Review Committee’s

written decision, the student may submit a written request for review of the Student

Professional Review Committee’s decision to the School of Nursing Director. Within ten

(10) school days of receipt of the student’s written request for review, the School of Nursing

Director will review the record and notify the student as to whether the Student Professional

Review Committee’s decision will be upheld.

9. Within five (5) school days of receipt of the School of Nursing Director’s decision, the

student may submit a written request for final review of the decision to the Marieb College

of Health & Human Services (MCHHS) Dean or Dean’s designee. Within ten (10) school

days of receipt of the student’s written request for final review, the MCHHS Dean or Dean’s

designee will review the record and notify the student as to whether the Committee’s

decision will be upheld on final review. This process may take a period of up to four weeks

once initiated in writing by the student. The student will not be allowed to attend any clinical

courses, or in the case of Program dismissal, any Program courses, while the student’s

request for review of the decision is pending.

10. Instructors, faculty, SON Program Directors, the Student Professional Review Committee,

the School of Nursing Director, and the MCHHS Dean or Dean’s designee may reasonably

extend any deadline with written notice to the student at least 24 hours prior to the expiration

of the deadline. FGCU faculty, staff, and student email accounts may be used for all written

notices provided to the student and requests for review submitted by the student.

11. The Student Professional Review Committee’s decision and any review(s) of the Student

Professional Review Committee’s decision regarding removal from all clinical courses and

co-requisite nursing theory courses and/or Program dismissal due to failure to satisfactorily

complete an Improvement Plan, a pattern of Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior, or a serious

single incident of Unsafe/Unprofessional Behavior are not appealable under the Student

Grievance or Grade Appeals procedures of the University.



52

IV. GENERAL INFORMATION

CANVAS

Canvas is the name of the current FGCU learning management system.

COLLEGE FORMS

Marieb College of Health and Human Services forms to appeal for a Late Withdrawal and

Incomplete Grade Agreement can be found at College of Health & Human Services Advising website

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY RIGHTS

Cognizance of, and respect for, rights and privileges of others is an expectation of all within the helping

professions. Faculty honor and respect the student’s privacy rights. Students honor, respect, and

maintain confidences and privacy of clients and conform to HIPPA requirements. All student-

client encounters, written, oral, or other, obligate confidentiality under all circumstances. For written

assignments, only client initials are used as identifiers.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY

Student course work completed in the Doctor of Nursing Program abides by the Florida Gulf Coast

University (FGCU) Student Created Intellectual Property policy. FGCU encourages research endeavors

and original creative activities.

Students are encouraged to present their intellectual property, as a component of the DNP Program,

however, all posters, presentations, etc., must be approved by the course faculty, DNP Project Advisor

or DNP Program Director prior to submission of applicable abstracts and presentations. Please see

Appendix I for the Intellectual Property Policy).

COPYING OF STUDENT RECORDS

Students may request copies of their student record. A release form requesting a copy of student record

is submitted to School of Nursing or designee. Students are responsible for cost of duplicating records

and mailing costs. The original release form is kept in student record after files are copied.

• Identification must be provided prior to release of record.

• Transcripts and references may not be copied or released to students.

• Copies of records will be sent to student via first class mail within one week of receipt of

request.

• Student will pay $1.00/page for copies. Payment must be received when request is submitted.

• Students may request a copy of their course practice evaluation, free of charge, during their final

meeting with course faculty each semester.

http://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/AcademicAdvisors/forms.html



53

DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS SERVICES

Florida Gulf Coast University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the

university’s guiding principles, will provide classroom and academic accommodations to students with

documented disabilities. If you need to request an accommodation in this class due to a disability, or

you suspect that your academic performance is affected by a disability, please see me or contact the

Office of Adaptive Services. The Office of Adaptive Services is located in the Wellness Building. The

phone number is 239-590-7956 or Video Phone (VP) 239-243-9453. In addition to classroom and

campus accommodations, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to create their personal emergency

evacuation plan and FGCU is committed to providing information on emergency notification

procedures. You can find information on the emergency exits and Areas of Rescue Assistance for each

building, as well as other emergency preparedness materials on the Environmental Health and Safety

and University Police Department websites. If you will need assistance in the event of an emergency

due to a disability, please contact Adaptive Services for available services and information.

GRADUATE TUITION WAIVERS

Tuition waivers are awarded by college. Graduate tuition waivers cover only the graduate

matriculation (tuition) fee for in-state or out-of-state students, depending on the residency of the student.

Waivers do not cover undergraduate courses or any additional fees. You must apply every semester by

the deadline to be considered. The awarding of waivers is competitive. Colleges have limited funds

available and therefore have established customized selection criteria. You may be required to submit

additional forms or provide additional information to your program. Please visit the Office of Graduate

Studies Tuition Waiver website for more information.

LIBRARY HOLDINGS

Program administrators, faculty and students have input into the collection of library holdings related to

the specialty Primary Health Care. DNP students have access to library facilities on campus where they

can obtain information relating to the specialty of Primary Health Care and other health related

disciplines. FGCU library is on-line, and library services and databases can be accessed from remote

computers. In addition, the FGCU library provides a portal to the Internet and other library databases.

The University library annual budget provides monies for each academic unit to make new purchases.

Holdings are added to the library by request of the Program administrators and faculty through the SON.

Student requests are also considered.

Access to library holdings at each clinical site is guaranteed by inclusion in the affiliation agreements

between the Program and the affiliate. Program administrators and faculty assist in providing a

collection of reference textbooks at each clinical site.

NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGE

Upon admission to the School of Nursing, all students must provide and maintain a current address and

phone number(s) where they can be contacted by the School of Nursing. It is a student responsibility to

report any name or address change to the Office of the Registrar.

https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/financinggradstudies.aspx



54

STUDENT OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

All students at Florida Gulf Coast University have a right to expect that the University will reasonably

accommodate their religious observances, practices, and beliefs. Students, upon prior notification to

their instructors, shall be excused from class or other scheduled academic activity to observe a religious

holy day of their faith. Students shall be permitted a reasonable amount of time to make up the material

or activities covered in their absence. Students shall not be penalized due to absence from class or other

scheduled academic activity because of religious observances. Where practicable, major examinations,

major assignments, and University ceremonies will not be scheduled on a major religious holy day.

A student who is to be excused from class for a religious observance is not required to provide a second

party certification of the reason for the absence.

STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON SCHOOL OF NURSING COMMITTEES

Student representatives are invited to serve on the Graduate Curriculum Committee, and Graduate

Admission and Progression Committee. Student representatives on these committees have the following

responsibilities:

• Attend committee meetings and notify Chair if unable to attend

• Share with committee ideas and student body views on issues, concerns, and suggestions

• Keep student body informed of committee issues, concerns, and suggestions

TAU ZETA CHAPTER, SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OF NURSING

The Florida Gulf Coast University Honor Society of Nursing was formed in 1998 with goal of becoming

an official chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) in November 2003. The Chartering

ceremony was held April 10, 2004. One hundred thirty seven members were inducted into the new Tau

Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Purposes of the Tau Zeta Chapter of STTI Honor Society of Nursing are to: recognize superior

achievement; develop leadership qualities in members; foster high professional standards; encourage

creative work; and strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession. All members of

Tau Zeta demonstrate superior scholastic achievement, academic integrity, professional leadership

potential, and/or marked achievement in the discipline of nursing.

For Membership Graduate students must:

• Have completed 1/4 of the nursing curriculum

• Have at least a GPA of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 grading scale)

• Meet the expectation of academic integrity



55

V. DISCLAIMER AND RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The DNP NP Program Guidebook includes general information about the DNP NP Program as well as

information on policies, procedures, and course information. This Guidebook is supplementary to and

should be read in conjunction with the current FGCU Academic Catalog, FGCU Graduate Student

Handbook, FGCU General Graduate Academic Policies, and Student Code of Conduct. Students are

required to follow all guidelines, rules, and regulations as they relate to FGCU, the Marieb College of

Health and Human Services, the School of Nursing, and the DNP NP Program. However, the FGCU

DNP NP Program reserves the right to revise, withdraw, amend, modify, and/or add to the foregoing

policies, procedures, and information at any time without notice or obligation. Any such changes shall

be immediately applicable to all DNP NP Program students.

FGCU Academic Catalog

FGCU Graduate Student Handbook (Currently under revision and a link will be sent when it is

available)

FGCU General Graduate Academic Policies

Student Code of Conduct

http://www.fgcu.edu/catalog/

http://www.fgcu.edu/studentguidebook/academic-behavior.html

https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/files/ggap_8_17_18_ada.pdf

https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/files/ggap_8_17_18_ada.pdf

http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/StudentConduct/



56

APPENDICES



57

APPENDIX A


College of Health Professions

School of Nursing

DNP Program

DNP PROGRAM STUDENT GUIDEBOOK RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I, __________________________________________________, acknowledge that I have received an

electronic copy of the DNP Program Student Guidebook 2020-2021 and agree to abide by all of the

rules and regulations contained therein. I further acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to

question and have received adequate explanations regarding the Guidebook contents and my rights and

responsibilities in the DNP Program’s Student Due Process procedures. I understand that the DNP

Program Policies, Procedures and Student Guidebook remain under review and any section or part may

be revised without notice or obligation during my tenure in the program and that I will be responsible for

abiding to any such revisions.

I agree, upon graduation, if applicable, to immediately take a review course and to sit for the National

Certification Examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Name: ___________________________________________________

Witness: __________________________________________________

DNP Program Faculty

Date: _____________________________________________________



58

APPENDIX B

School of Nursing

Leave of Absence Request Form

Student Name:

Address:

E-mail Address:

Phone Number:

University Identification Number:

School of Nursing Program:

______________________________________________________________________________

REASON FOR REQUESTING LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

LENGTH OF TIME OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE (no more than 2 consecutive semesters or 2 semesters total

over entire program are allowed):

PLAN TO ENSURE KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES ARE AT EXPECTED LEVEL FOR COURSE(S)

OF STUDY ON RETURN TO THE NURSING PROGRAM:

______________________________ Date: _____________

Student Signature

______________________________ Date: _____________

Program Director Signature

______________________________ Date: _____________

Faculty Advisor Signature

__________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL OF NURSING DIRECTOR: _____ APPROVED

_____ DENIED

COMMENTS:

______________________________ Date: _____________

SON Director Signature

CC: Student File



59

APPENDIX C.1


School of Nursing

BSN to DNP PROGRAM PLAN

Name:____________________ UIN:____________________ Date of Admission:_____________________

Faculty Advisor:____________________________________________________________________________

Admission Conditions (if any):________________________________________________________________

Specialty: Family NP

Semester

Number and Title: Cr. Hours Completed Grade

NGR 6002 Advanced Health Assessment 3

NGR 6002L Adv Health Assessment Practice 1


NGR 6141 Advanced Pathophysiology 4

NGR 6460 Pharmacotherapeutics 4

NGR 7768 Basis of Advanced Practice Nursing 3

NGR 6240 Primary Health Care I 4

NGR 6240L (120) Primary Health Care I Practice 2

NGR 6811 Advanced Nursing Research 3



NGR 6741 Primary Health Care II 3

NGR 6741L (120) Primary Health Care II Practice 2

NGR 6305 Primary Health Care III 3

NGR 6305L (120) Primary Health Care III Practice 2

NGR 6252 Primary Health Care IV 4

NGR 6252L (240) Primary Health Care IV Practice 4

NGR 7856 Evidence Based Translation Research 3



NGR 7176 Advanced Pharmacology and Genomics 3



NGR 7949L (60) DNP Clinical Practice (1 Credit) 1

NGR 7949L (120) DNP Clinical Practice (2 Credits) 2 _______ ______

NGR 7949L (120) DNP Clinical Practice (2 Credits) 2 _______ ______

NGR 7949L (120) DNP Clinical Practice (2 Credits) 2

NGR 7974 DNP Project 1




Total (Practice 1020 hours) 81credits

_____ Successful completion of a minimum of 81 credit hours of doctoral level course work.

_____ Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in the DNP program.

_____ Completion of all courses with a grade of “B” or higher, or “S” (Satisfactory) where applicable.

_____ Completion of Nurse Practitioner Certification exam review course

_____ Completion of DNP clinical practice requirements

_____ Completion of DNP Project requirements

_____ Completion of a minimum of 1000 clinical practice hours.

______________________ _______________ _________________________ ______________

Student Signature Date Faculty Advisor Signature Date



60

APPENDIX C.2


School of Nursing

MSN to DNP PROGRAM PLAN

Name:____________________ UIN:____________________ Date of Admission:_____________________

Faculty Advisor:____________________________________________________________________________

Admission Conditions (if any):________________________________________________________________

Semester

Number and Title: Cr. Hours Completed Grade




NGR 7856 Evidence Based Translation Research 3





NGR 7949L (60) DNP Clinical Practice 1








Total (Practice 420 Hours) 36 credits

_____ Successful completion of a 36 credit hours of doctoral level course work.

_____ Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in the DNP program.

_____ Completion of all courses with a grade of “B” or higher, or “S” (Satisfactory) where applicable.

_____ Completion of DNP clinical practice requirements

_____ Completion of DNP Project requirements

_____ Verification of a minimum of 1000 clinical practice hours (Based on MSN and DNP Practice Hours).

_________________________ _______________ _________________________ ______________

Student Signature Date Faculty Advisor Signature Date



61

APPENDIX D.1



62

Appendix D. 2



63



64

APPENDIX D.3

Approved 6/12/18 by GCAP



65

APPENDIX D.4



66

APPENDIX E

Florida Gulf Coast University Marieb College of Health and Human Services

School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice

NGR 6095: Independent Study in Nursing Proposal

Purpose: To provide opportunities for students to systematically investigate problems/concerns relevant to health

needs and/or care of individuals. May involve practice or educational situations related to a specific problem

of interest, a case study or comparative case studies, historical studies, library research, or any other project,

which provides opportunity for increasing breadth or depth of knowledge or skill. Specific objectives to be

negotiated between student and faculty sponsoring independent study.

Procedure:

• Meet with Program Director for Major to discuss purpose of Independent Study and identify appropriate

Graduate Faculty member for course.

• Prepare Independent Study Proposal and meet with identified Course Faculty member for approval.

• Submit completed proposal to Program Director for signature.

• The DNP Program Director will provide copies to student and course faculty.

Student: _________________________________ UIN#: __________________________________

Semester and Year: ______________________ CRN#: _________ Credit Hour(s): ____________

Course Faculty: __________________________________________________________________

Purpose:

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Objectives:

Objective I: _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Learning Activity: _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Evaluation: _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________



67

Objective II: _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________


_______________________________________________________________________________

Evaluation: _______________________________________________________________________________

Objective III: _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________


_______________________________________________________________________________

Evaluation: _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Additional Comments:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________

Program Director for Major: _________________________________________Date: ________________

Course Faculty: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Student: _________________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Copy:

Course Faculty

Student

Student File



68

APPENDIX F


School of Nursing

DNP Program Clinical Course

Confidentiality Agreement (HIPAA)

Students enrolled in the DNP Program are informed about the importance of protection of confidential

information about patients and their families and of the operations of agencies where students are placed

for clinical experiences. It is the obligation of every student to protect and maintain this confidentiality.

All patient information stored via paper or computer system is considered confidential. It is the ethical

and legal responsibility of all students to maintain and comply with all confidentiality requirements of

the agencies used for clinical experiences.

As a student at Florida Gulf Coast University School of Nursing DNP Program, I agree to the following:

1. I will protect the confidentiality of all patients, family and clinical agency information.

2. I will not release unauthorized information to any source.

3. I will not access or attempt to access information other than that information which I have

authorized access to and need to know in order to complete my assignment as a student.

4. I will report breaches of this confidentiality agreement by others to my appropriate course faculty

or DNP Program Director. I understand that failure to report breaches is an ethical violation and

subjects me to disciplinary action.

5. I will not put patient/family/clinical agency identifying information on any written work

completed for any assignment.

6. I will not put patient/family/clinical agency identifying information on any stored

information (disk or hard drive) on my own personal computer or on any other public or private

computer.

______________________________________________________________________

Date Signature

________________________________

Print Name

This form will be placed in my academic file; I was given a copy of this agreement for my records.



69

APPENDIX G

School of Nursing

Student Performance Improvement Plan

Student Name:

Program:

Course:

Course Faculty:

Program Director:

Semester/Year:

_________________________________________________________________________ Standards

and behaviors essential to developing your professional role as a graduate from this program are

outlined in the FGCU Student Code of Conduct, School of Nursing DNP Program Guidebook, and

course syllabi. Adherence to such standards and behaviors are absolutely critical; therefore,

expectations remain constant in every classroom and practice experience throughout the program.

This Student Performance Improvement Plan is established for the purpose of assisting you in

transforming specific, identified behaviors impeding your successful progress through the DNP

Program. You will work with your course faculty and Program Director as outlined below. Failure to

meet the terms outlined in this Student Performance Improvement Plan may result in a course failure

and/or dismissal from the DNP Program.

1. Description of incident or unmet standard:

2. Description of how incident or unmet standard is in conflict with

professional/university/course expectations and/or course/practice objectives:

3. Outline of expected outcomes required to achieve success:

4. Time frame for achieving expected outcomes:

5. Consequences of not successfully completing the Student Performance Improvement Plan:



70

Student Comments:

Next Student Performance Improvement Plan Review Date: _____________________

_________________________________________ Date: _______________

Student Signature

_________________________________________ Date: _______________

Program Director or Course Faculty Signature

Final Student Performance Improvement Plan Review Date: _____________________

Student Performance Improvement Plan Completion: _____ Satisfactory

_____ Unsatisfactory

Program Director or Course Faculty Comments:

_________________________________________ Date: ________________

Program Director or Course Faculty Signature

Student Comments:

_________________________________________ Date: ________________

Student Signature

cc: Student File

Course Faculty (name)

Program Director



71

APPENDIX H

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Verification of Precepted MSN Clinical Hours

Students who have completed their MSN degree or Post-Graduate Certificate and will complete the DNP at

Florida Gulf Coast University are required to submit this Verification of Precepted MSN Clinical Hours form in

order for the Program Director to determine the clinical hours needed for the DNP program.

The total number of clinical hours between the MSN degree and DNP degree must be at least 1000 hours to meet

the requirements for a DNP degree.

To the student: Please complete the student section below and submit this form to a course coordinator, program

director, or director/Dean of School/College of Nursing from the university where you completed your MSN or

Post-Graduate certificate program. Have them complete the information requested for verification of your clinical

hours and mail the original to the School of Nursing DNP Program, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU

Blvd., Marieb College of Health & Human Services, FL 33965. They can also scan the signed document and

email to [email protected].

Students who completed their MSN or Post-Graduate Certificate at Florida Gulf Coast University should

complete the same information and then scan and email it to [email protected]. We will complete it and add to

your file.

To be completed by student:

Student Name: ________________________________________________________________

University/School or College of Nursing: ____________________________________________

Concentration (e.g. FNP, ACNP, AGPCNP): _________________________________________

To be completed by School of Nursing official:

Number of clinical hours in MSN Program or Post-MSN certificate: ______________________

Please print name of School of Nursing official Title

Signature of School of Nursing official Date

Telephone number Email

Marieb College of Health & Human Services School of Nursing





72

APPENDIX I


School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Intellectual Property Policy

Student course work completed in the Doctor of Nursing Program abides by the Florida Gulf Coast University

(FGCU) Student Created Intellectual Property policy. FGCU encourages research endeavors and original creative

activities. Such work may lead to the development of new scholarship, works and inventions that stimulate

learning and may lead to the discovery of new knowledge. Students are encouraged to develop Intellectual

Property as part of their course work and should benefit from their efforts including securing, when applicable,

patents, trademarks, or copyrights on their Intellectual Property under the following conditions:

1. Per the Intellectual Property policy of FGCU, the student gives FGCU a nonexclusive royalty-free license

to mark on, modify, retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, or otherwise handle

the work as set out in the Intellectual Property policy or in the course syllabus. The University, nor the

instructor, has the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student.

2. Typical instructor involvement in the student’s work for the development of Intellectual Property for this

DNP Program is defined as limited suggestions related to topic and/or editing for improvement of the

Intellectual Property. To determine the authorship of the Intellectual Property, the Intellectual Property

created under these circumstances will retain the original student as the primary author. Future

students and/or the instructor in an effort to further nursing knowledge and application to nursing practice

may, with the primary author’s permission, further the work of the primary author’s Intellectual

Property created in the DNP Program and DNP course work in subsequent semesters.

3. Significant suggestions or editing beyond that referred to in #2 to improve the Intellectual Property of the

student by the instructor are considered significant, non-typical involvement in the student’s creation, and

as such, the instructor may be included as an additional author of the Intellectual Property in the case of

publication or presentation. Future students in a course and/or the instructor in an effort to further

nursing knowledge and application to nursing practice may at the instructor’s discretion, further the

original author’s work created in the DNP Program in subsequent semesters. The final product of the

original author’s Intellectual Property will retain the original author’s name among subsequent

contributors based on cumulative contributions.

4. Per the FGCU Intellectual Property policy, the University shall determine ownership of the works created

from research or developmental activities that are collaborative efforts involving more than one student,

several students among courses, or spanning several semesters, should it be necessary.

5. Intellectual Property created in courses in the DNP Program shall include as authors all students having

been involved in the development of the Intellectual Property from the time of its inception, as well as the

course instructor, per the items above.

6. Please refer to the original Policy 2.015 in the online FGCU Policy Manual approved 12/13/2017 which

supersedes the information above found at the Office of the General Counsel website.

Students are encouraged to present their intellectual property, as a component of the DNP Program, however, all

posters, presentations, etc., must be approved by the course faculty, DNP Project Advisor or DNP Program

Director prior to submission of applicable abstracts and presentations.

______________________________________ _______________________________________________

Student Signature and Date Student Name (printed)

https://www2.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/policies-view.asp



73

APPENDIX J

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION STANDARDS WAIVER DUE TO COVID-19

1. Academic progression standard #7 (see Academic Progression Standards) may be waived if a

student is unable to complete the minimum in-person clinical practice hours in a practice

course due to COVID-19.

2. If a student is unable to complete the minimum required in-person clinical practice hours for

any clinical course, due to COVID-19, the student will receive a grade of “I” (Incomplete).

However, the student will receive the earned grade in an associated theory course and will be

able to progress to the next clinical course.

3. When students are allowed to return to in-person clinical practice, students will be required to

make up the required minimum in person hours. Satisfactory clinical performance standards

will be evaluated using the usual evaluation standards.

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